Podabrus brevicollis
This record describes Podabrus brevicollis (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Podabrus brevicollis (Podabrus brevicollis) is a species in the family Cantharidae, commonly known as soldier beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Cantharinae, tribe Podabrini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Elateroidea. This species belongs to the genus Podabrus. Size: 10-13 mm (larger than most other species in this genus).
Identification notes
Quoting original description :
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cantharinae
- Tribe
- Podabrini
- Genus
- Podabrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern North America: Ontario to North Carolina, west to Ohio
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Podabrus brevicollis Fall 1928
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Podabrus 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 Podabrus brevicollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Podabrus brevicollis
What is Podabrus brevicollis?
Podabrus brevicollis is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Podabrus brevicollis?
10-13 mm (larger than most other species in this genus)
How do you identify Podabrus brevicollis?
Quoting original description :
Where is Podabrus brevicollis found?
Range: Eastern North America: Ontario to North Carolina, west to Ohio