ColeopteraElateridae – Click Beetles

Limonius basilaris

This record describes Limonius basilaris (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Limonius basilaris - Limonius basilaris
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov

Black on top except for yellow or brown hind angles of pronotum, legs and first antenomere Det. M. A. Quinn, 2012

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Elateroidea
Family
Elateridae (Click Beetles)
Subfamily
Dendrometrinae
Tribe
Dendrometrini
Genus
Limonius

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

e. NA (QC-ON-ID to FL-TX) - Map

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Limonius basilaris (Say 1823)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Limonius basilaris. 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 Limonius basilaris (5)

Limonius basilaris - photo 1
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Limonius basilaris - photo 2
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Limonius basilaris - photo 3
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Limonius basilaris - photo 4
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Limonius basilaris - photo 5
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Limonius basilaris

What is Limonius basilaris?

Limonius basilaris is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.

How do you identify Limonius basilaris?

Black on top except for yellow or brown hind angles of pronotum, legs and first antenomere Det. M. A. Quinn, 2012

Where is Limonius basilaris found?

Range: e. NA (QC-ON-ID to FL-TX) - Map

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

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.