Lebia solea
This record describes Lebia solea (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytral pattern variable; readily distinguished from the rest of our Lebia by the combination of strongly constricted neck, basally widened pronotal margins, and frons striated only on lateral thirds
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
fields, orchards, forest edges and clearings, often on flowers (particularly Solidago caesia ), shrubs/trees
Geographic Range
e.NA (NS‒MB to FL‒TX to Mexico), Cuba ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
adults active late spring thru summer ( 4 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lebia solea. 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 solea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , roar , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Lebia solea
What is Lebia solea?
Lebia solea is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lebia solea?
4.5‒6.2 mm
How do you identify Lebia solea?
elytral pattern variable; readily distinguished from the rest of our Lebia by the combination of strongly constricted neck, basally widened pronotal margins, and frons striated only on lateral thirds
Where is Lebia solea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | fields, orchards, forest edges and clearings, often on flowers (particularly Solidago caesia ), shrubs/trees |
| Range | e.NA (NS‒MB to FL‒TX to Mexico), Cuba ( 3 ) |
When is Lebia solea active?
Lebia solea: seasonal activity - adults active late spring thru summer ( 4 ).