Trechus quadristriatus
This record describes Trechus quadristriatus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small (about 4 mm) orange / brown ground beetle; the head and sometimes the pronotal disc being darker. It is a broad and flat species with weakly rounded and somewhat parallel elytra. The head is shiny black. It is very similar to Trechus obtusus and detailed examination is necessary to reach a safe id. T. obtusus has no wings, or very tiny ones whilst T. quadristriatus has full wings. Also in T. obtusus, the anterior puncture inside the eye is separated from the eye by the puncture's width, whereas in T. quadristriatus it is closer to the eyes and separated by less than the width of the puncture. A species of open and dry habitats including agricultural land but also in urban or built up areas; parks, gardens etc. It is not averse to using shaded areas. Large breeding swarms sometimes occur in early autumn. Very widely distributed and generally common throughout England and Wales although records from the western half of England and Wales are more scattered and much less frequent.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Trechinae
- Tribe
- Trechini
- Genus
- Trechus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A species of open and dry habitats including agricultural land but also in urban or built up areas; parks, gardens etc. It is not averse to using shaded areas.
Seasonal Activity
Large breeding swarms sometimes occur in early autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species is an autumn breeder.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very widely distributed and generally common throughout England and Wales although records from the western half of England and Wales are more scattered and much less frequent.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trechus quadristriatus. 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 Trechus quadristriatus (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Trechus quadristriatus
What is Trechus quadristriatus?
Trechus quadristriatus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Trechus quadristriatus found?
Habitat: A species of open and dry habitats including agricultural land but also in urban or built up areas; parks, gardens etc. It is not averse to using shaded areas.
When is Trechus quadristriatus active?
Trechus quadristriatus: seasonal activity - Large breeding swarms sometimes occur in early autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Trechus quadristriatus?
This species is an autumn breeder.