Nebria brevicollis
This record describes Nebria brevicollis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a large ground beetle (10-14mm) with a broad pronotum. It is black or dark brown but with mid-brown legs and antennae, though the femora are usually darker brown. It is very similar to N. salina which prefers damper habitats. Nebria brevicollis and N. salina are indistinguishable without examining the beetles under a microscope (or possibly a good hand lens). N. brevicollis has fine hairs on the dorsal surface of the hind tarsi which are absent in N. salina . Found in woodland, especially under stones and in disturbed habitat, but also in parks, grassland and even gardens. It is very common and widespread across Britain except in the far north.
Wikipedia reference for Nebria brevicollis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebria_brevicollis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nebriinae
- Tribe
- Nebriini
- Genus
- Nebria (Gazelle Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in woodland, especially under stones and in disturbed habitat, but also in parks, grassland and even gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Predatory on other small creatures.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is very common and widespread across Britain except in the far north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nebria brevicollis. 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 Nebria brevicollis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebria brevicollis
What is Nebria brevicollis?
Nebria brevicollis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Nebria brevicollis found?
Habitat: Found in woodland, especially under stones and in disturbed habitat, but also in parks, grassland and even gardens.
When is Nebria brevicollis active?
Nebria brevicollis: seasonal activity - Mainly June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Nebria brevicollis?
Predatory on other small creatures.