Leptotrachelus dorsalis
This record describes Leptotrachelus dorsalis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

- - occasionally all dark Det. Jan Ciegler, 2012 comes to lights (BG data)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Ctenodactylini
- Genus
- Leptotrachelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
adults on the culms of marsh grasses such as Panicum dichotomiflorum (Poaceae) in Maryland ( Erwin & Medina 2003 )
Geographic Range
e. US (RI-SD to FL-e.TX) & so. ON / W. Indies - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Leptotrachelus dorsalis (Fabricius 1801)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Leptotrachelus dorsalis. 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 Leptotrachelus dorsalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Leptotrachelus dorsalis
What is Leptotrachelus dorsalis?
Leptotrachelus dorsalis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Leptotrachelus dorsalis?
- - occasionally all dark Det. Jan Ciegler, 2012
Where is Leptotrachelus dorsalis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | adults on the culms of marsh grasses such as Panicum dichotomiflorum (Poaceae) in Maryland ( Erwin & Medina 2003 ) |
| Range | e. US (RI-SD to FL-e.TX) & so. ON / W. Indies - Map |
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