ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles

Lebia scalpta

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

Identification and Appearance

Lebia scalpta - Lebia scalpta
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Elytra - Disc dark with pale markings, either patterned as in fig. 26 or lateral vitta reduced and pattern approaching that of analis (fig. 25). - Det. T.L. Erwin, 2010 Fig. 26. Lebia scalpta , Texas form the only member of scalpta group in our fauna

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

w. & s.TX; Mexico - Map

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Lebia scalpta Bates 1883

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lebia scalpta. 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 scalpta (5)

Lebia scalpta - photo 1
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Lebia scalpta - photo 2
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Lebia scalpta - photo 3
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Lebia scalpta - photo 4
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Lebia scalpta - photo 5
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Lebia scalpta

What is Lebia scalpta?

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

How do you identify Lebia scalpta?

Elytra - Disc dark with pale markings, either patterned as in fig. 26 or lateral vitta reduced and pattern approaching that of analis (fig. 25). - Det. T.L. Erwin, 2010 Fig. 26. Lebia scalpta , Texas form

Where is Lebia scalpta found?

Range: w. & s.TX; Mexico - Map

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

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