Loricera pilicornis
This record describes Loricera pilicornis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small (6 to 8.5 mm) brassy-brown or bronze-black ground beetle, this species has cup like depressions (foveate punctures) on the wing cases with conspicuous long bristles (setae) at the bases to its antennae as well as bristles on the underside of its head. It is the only ground beetle with these long setae on the antennae. It is found amongst dead leaves, under stones, behind bark and in moss - wherever there is cover. This ground beetle is a specialised feeder on mites and Springtails, using the many bristles on its antennae and head to locate and catch them. It hunts mostly at night. It is a very common species - one of the most common British beetles, and widespread in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Loricerinae
- Tribe
- Loricerini
- Genus
- Loricera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is found amongst dead leaves, under stones, behind bark and in moss - wherever there is cover.
Seasonal Activity
All year round
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This ground beetle is a specialised feeder on mites and Springtails, using the many bristles on its antennae and head to locate and catch them. It hunts mostly at night.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is a very common species - one of the most common British beetles, and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Loricera pilicornis. 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 Loricera pilicornis (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Loricera pilicornis
What is Loricera pilicornis?
Loricera pilicornis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Loricera pilicornis found?
Habitat: It is found amongst dead leaves, under stones, behind bark and in moss - wherever there is cover.
When is Loricera pilicornis active?
Loricera pilicornis: seasonal activity - All year round.
What is the life cycle of a Loricera pilicornis?
This ground beetle is a specialised feeder on mites and Springtails, using the many bristles on its antennae and head to locate and catch them. It hunts mostly at night.