Leistus fulvibarbis
This record describes Leistus fulvibarbis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small (6.5 to 8 mm) dark ground beetle usually with blue metallic elytral reflections in certain light, and may look very bluish. It has reddish-yellow legs and a specialised basket around its mouth for trapping springtail prey. Very similar to L. spinibarbis and best separated by the pronotum characters. In L. spinibarbis the flattened and punctured side margins are much wider than in L. fulvibarbis and in L. fulvibarbis the pronotum is more srtrongly contracted towards the base and there is a distinct straight portion immediately in front of the base, while in L. spinibarbis the curve continues almost to the base. (see diagram) There is also fine wrinkling on the head of L. spinibarbis whereas L, fulvibarbis lacks this. http://johnwalters.co.uk/pdfs/4%20Leistus%20(Telfer%20and%20Walters%202010).pdf Images will need to show the identification features described in the text. Usually recorded from hedgerow banks or woodland. It has expanded jaws and setal cage under the head - evolved to catch and devour collembola (springtails).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Carabidae
- Genus
- Leistus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually recorded from hedgerow banks or woodland.
Seasonal Activity
April to June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It has expanded jaws and setal cage under the head - evolved to catch and devour collembola (springtails).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Leistus fulvibarbis. 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 Leistus fulvibarbis (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Leistus fulvibarbis
What is Leistus fulvibarbis?
Leistus fulvibarbis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Leistus fulvibarbis found?
Habitat: Usually recorded from hedgerow banks or woodland.
When is Leistus fulvibarbis active?
Leistus fulvibarbis: seasonal activity - April to June..
What is the life cycle of a Leistus fulvibarbis?
It has expanded jaws and setal cage under the head - evolved to catch and devour collembola (springtails).