ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles

Nemotarsus elegans

This record describes Nemotarsus elegans (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Nemotarsus elegans - Nemotarsus elegans
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Similar to Lebia , distinguished by tibial spurs, etc. Body, legs, antennae dull yellow-brown; elytra dark with a large pale spot

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Adephaga
Family
Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
Subfamily
Harpalinae
Tribe
Lebiini
Genus
Nemotarsus

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

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

e US (PA-n.FL to IL-OK-TX) - Map , mostly se US

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Nemotarsus elegans LeConte 1853

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nemotarsus elegans. 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 Nemotarsus elegans (5)

Nemotarsus elegans - photo 1
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Nemotarsus elegans - photo 2
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Nemotarsus elegans - photo 3
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Nemotarsus elegans - photo 4
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Nemotarsus elegans - photo 5
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Nemotarsus elegans

What is Nemotarsus elegans?

Nemotarsus elegans is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Nemotarsus elegans?

4-6 mm

How do you identify Nemotarsus elegans?

Similar to Lebia , distinguished by tibial spurs, etc. Body, legs, antennae dull yellow-brown; elytra dark with a large pale spot

Where is Nemotarsus elegans found?

Range: e US (PA-n.FL to IL-OK-TX) - Map , mostly se US

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

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