Dyschirius politus
This record describes Dyschirius politus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small (4 to 5mm), bronze black burrowing ground beetle. Prefers sandy places often on the coast. It is predatory on rove beetles of the genus Bledius.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scaritinae
- Tribe
- Dyschiriini
- Genus
- Dyschirius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Prefers sandy places often on the coast.
Seasonal Activity
Usually seen between spring and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is predatory on rove beetles of the genus Bledius.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but quite local in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dyschirius politus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Dyschirius politus (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dyschirius politus
What is Dyschirius politus?
Dyschirius politus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Dyschirius politus found?
Habitat: Prefers sandy places often on the coast.
When is Dyschirius politus active?
Dyschirius politus: seasonal activity - Usually seen between spring and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Dyschirius politus?
It is predatory on rove beetles of the genus Bledius.