Lebia ornata
This record describes Lebia ornata (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra - Disc dark with pale markings (figs. 43-45) or entirely dark ( 3 ) , edges of pale basal elytral spots are generally smooth, not jagged as in fuscata - typical; - southern pale form (note lateral scapular vitta) and dark forms Fig. 43. typical form; Fig. 44. pale southern form; Fig. 45. dark southern form. southern form, generally s. of Mason-Dixon Line, and is uncommon
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
Habitat
frequent flowers, e.g. goldenrod
Geographic Range
e.NA (NS‒FL to SD‒e.TX) - Map , TX records e. of the Brazos R.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lebia ornata Say 1823
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lebia ornata. 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 Lebia ornata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lebia ornata
What is Lebia ornata?
Lebia ornata is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lebia ornata?
4‒5.5 mm
How do you identify Lebia ornata?
Elytra - Disc dark with pale markings (figs. 43-45) or entirely dark ( 3 ) , edges of pale basal elytral spots are generally smooth, not jagged as in fuscata - typical; - southern pale form (note lateral scapular vitta) and dark forms Fig. 43. typical form; Fig. 44. pale southern form; Fig. 45. dark southern form. southern form, generally s. of Mason-Dixon Line, and is uncommon
Where is Lebia ornata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | frequent flowers, e.g. goldenrod |
| Range | e.NA (NS‒FL to SD‒e.TX) - Map , TX records e. of the Brazos R. |