Gastrellarius unicarum
This record describes Gastrellarius unicarum (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Head with 2 setigerous punctures over each eye (only 1 in G. honestus ), base of pronotum distinctly narrower than apex, elytral striae impunctate or barely punctate .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Pterostichini
- Genus
- Gastrellarius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Leaf litter .
Geographic Range
Southern Appalachians: GA, NC, TN .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gastrellarius unicarum (Darlington, 1932)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gastrellarius unicarum. 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 Gastrellarius unicarum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kyhl Austin; Additional contributions by Thrasher
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastrellarius unicarum
What is Gastrellarius unicarum?
Gastrellarius unicarum is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Gastrellarius unicarum?
6.2-7.5 mm .
How do you identify Gastrellarius unicarum?
Head with 2 setigerous punctures over each eye (only 1 in G. honestus ), base of pronotum distinctly narrower than apex, elytral striae impunctate or barely punctate .
Where is Gastrellarius unicarum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Leaf litter . |
| Range | Southern Appalachians: GA, NC, TN . |