ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles

Lebia histrionica

This record describes Lebia histrionica (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Lebia histrionica - Lebia histrionica
Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

The only other species with a pale head and black-tipped femora occurring in the range of L. histrionica north of Mexico is L. vittata ; the two can easily be separated by elytral patterns

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Adephaga
Family
Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
Subfamily
Harpalinae
Tribe
Lebiini
Genus
Lebia (Colorful Foliage Ground Beetles)

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

so. AZ to C. Amer. (Guatemala) - Map , plus Hidalgo Co., TX , Feb 23, 2021

Seasonal Activity

Jul-Oct (BG data)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Lebia histrionica Bates 1883

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lebia histrionica. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Lebia histrionica (5)

Lebia histrionica - photo 1
Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Lebia histrionica - photo 2
Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Lebia histrionica - photo 3
Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Lebia histrionica - photo 4
Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Lebia histrionica - photo 5
Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Lebia histrionica

What is Lebia histrionica?

Lebia histrionica is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Lebia histrionica?

6 mm (Bates 1883)

How do you identify Lebia histrionica?

The only other species with a pale head and black-tipped femora occurring in the range of L. histrionica north of Mexico is L. vittata ; the two can easily be separated by elytral patterns

Where is Lebia histrionica found?

Range: so. AZ to C. Amer. (Guatemala) - Map , plus Hidalgo Co., TX , Feb 23, 2021

When is Lebia histrionica active?

Lebia histrionica: seasonal activity - Jul-Oct (BG data).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.