Colorful Foliage Ground Beetles
Lebia
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Adephaga
- Family: Carabidae
- Subfamily: Harpalinae
- Supertribe: Harpalitae
- Tribe: Lebiini
- Subtribe: Lebiina
- Genus: Lebia
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lebia: //ˈle.bi.a//
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Images
Summary
Lebia is a genus of predatory ground beetles, commonly known as colorful foliage ground beetles and flat ground beetles. This genus comprises around 791 species worldwide, with many being vividly colored and flattened in appearance. They play a role in controlling pest populations in their habitats.
Physical Characteristics
Medium-sized or small, often vividly colored carabids with wide, flattened elytra. Iridescent appearance is common.
Identification Tips
Look for small to medium-sized beetles that are often brightly colored and flattened in shape. They are typically found on foliage and flowers.
Habitat
They can be found on foliage and on the ground, often in areas where they can hunt small insects.
Distribution
Worldwide; in North America, found north to Yukon Territory and northern Quebec.
Diet
Predatory on small insects; some species parasitize leaf beetle larvae.
Life Cycle
Typically active from late spring to mid-summer and sometimes in the fall; adults overwinter and there can be two generations per year in southern regions.
Ecosystem Role
As predators, they help control populations of small insects and leaf beetle larvae.
Tags
- Lebia
- ground beetles
- predatory insects
- biodiversity
- Coleoptera