Galerita mexicana
This record describes Galerita mexicana (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elytra | Elytra dark blue; appendages black. |
| Eyes | eyes prominent: compare G. atripes (sc US to AZ): - uncommon |
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
Adults are recorded from rain forest, thorn forest, oak-conifer forest, and gallery forest, but most specimens collected by the senior author and his associates have been in clearings along streams and in palm forest. On the whole, this species seems to prefer open, well-lighted areas.
Geographic Range
southern plains to AZ (AZ-TX-NE) to Costa Rica - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , common
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Galerita (Progaleritina) mexicana Chaudoir 1872
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Galerita mexicana. 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 mexicana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Galerita mexicana
What is Galerita mexicana?
Galerita mexicana is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Galerita mexicana?
15.5-18.0 mm
How do you identify Galerita mexicana?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elytra | Elytra dark blue; appendages black. |
| Eyes | eyes prominent: compare G. atripes (sc US to AZ): - uncommon |
Where is Galerita mexicana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults are recorded from rain forest, thorn forest, oak-conifer forest, and gallery forest, but most specimens collected by the senior author and his associates have been in clearings along streams and in palm forest. On the whole, this species seems to prefer open, well-lighted areas. |
| Range | southern plains to AZ (AZ-TX-NE) to Costa Rica - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , common |