Galerita (Galerita) aequinoctialis
Galerita aequinoctialis
This record describes Galerita aequinoctialis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the only member of the nominate subgenus in our fauna; the subgenus (>80 spp.) is primarily pantropical in distribution ( 4 ) Texas Parks and Wildlife considers this sp. a SGCN ( 5 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Galeritini
- Genus
- Galerita (False Bombardier Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in TX, taken in carrion-baited pitfall traps or running on ground at night in the sabal palm sanctuary; taken at lights in Mexico
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.) to Panama; Arkansas records must be considered at error - Map
Seasonal Activity
collected in TX in April & October
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Galerita (Galerita) aequinoctialis Chaudoir 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Galerita aequinoctialis. 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 Galerita (Galerita) aequinoctialis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , Thrasher
Frequently Asked Questions About Galerita (Galerita) aequinoctialis
What is Galerita (Galerita) aequinoctialis?
Galerita (Galerita) aequinoctialis (Galerita aequinoctialis) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Galerita (Galerita) aequinoctialis?
14.5-18.0 mm
Where is Galerita (Galerita) aequinoctialis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in TX, taken in carrion-baited pitfall traps or running on ground at night in the sabal palm sanctuary; taken at lights in Mexico |
| Range | southmost TX (Cameron Co.) to Panama; Arkansas records must be considered at error - Map |
When is Galerita (Galerita) aequinoctialis active?
Galerita (Galerita) aequinoctialis: seasonal activity - collected in TX in April & October.