ColeopteraCantharidae – Soldier Beetles

Polemius limbatus

This record describes Polemius limbatus (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Polemius limbatus - Polemius limbatus
(c) birdzilla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by birdzilla

There is sexual dimorphism betweeen males and females, see .

Wikipedia reference for Polemius limbatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polemius_limbatus.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Elateroidea
Family
Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
Subfamily
Silinae
Tribe
Silini
Genus
Polemius

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

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

e.US (NY-FL to ON-WI*-e.TX) (*BG data)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Polemius limbatus LeConte, 1851

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polemius limbatus. 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 Polemius limbatus (5)

Polemius limbatus - photo 1
(c) birdzilla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by birdzilla | (c) Anna Hargrave, all rights reserved, uploaded by Anna Hargrave | (c) Hippytiger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hippytiger | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Polemius limbatus - photo 2
(c) birdzilla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by birdzilla | (c) Anna Hargrave, all rights reserved, uploaded by Anna Hargrave | (c) Hippytiger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hippytiger | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Polemius limbatus - photo 3
(c) birdzilla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by birdzilla | (c) Anna Hargrave, all rights reserved, uploaded by Anna Hargrave | (c) Hippytiger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hippytiger | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Polemius limbatus - photo 4
(c) birdzilla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by birdzilla | (c) Anna Hargrave, all rights reserved, uploaded by Anna Hargrave | (c) Hippytiger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hippytiger | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Polemius limbatus - photo 5
(c) birdzilla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by birdzilla | (c) Anna Hargrave, all rights reserved, uploaded by Anna Hargrave | (c) Hippytiger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hippytiger | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn

Photo credits: (c) birdzilla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by birdzilla | (c) Anna Hargrave, all rights reserved, uploaded by Anna Hargrave | (c) Hippytiger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hippytiger | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Polemius limbatus

What is Polemius limbatus?

Polemius limbatus is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Polemius limbatus?

3.5-5.0 mm

How do you identify Polemius limbatus?

There is sexual dimorphism betweeen males and females, see .

Where is Polemius limbatus found?

Range: e.US (NY-FL to ON-WI*-e.TX) (*BG data)

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

Photo credits: (c) birdzilla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by birdzilla | (c) Anna Hargrave, all rights reserved, uploaded by Anna Hargrave | (c) Hippytiger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hippytiger | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.