Nebriini
Nebriini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Adephaga
- Family: Carabidae
- Subfamily: Nebriinae
- Tribe: Nebriini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nebriini: //ˌnɛˈbraɪɪˌnaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The tribe Nebriini is a part of the ground beetle family Carabidae, encompassing approximately 60 species in 3 genera in specific regions, with a total of over 500 species across various genera globally. They play significant roles in ecosystems as predators of invertebrates, and some species have cultural significance due to their historical popularity in collection.
Physical Characteristics
Most species are shiny black or metallic with ridged elytra; the elytra are fused in some species, rendering them unable to fly.
Identification Tips
Ground beetles typically have a groove on their fore leg tibiae bearing a comb of hairs for cleaning their antennae.
Habitat
Common habitats include under the bark of trees, under logs, and among rocks or sand by the edges of ponds and rivers.
Distribution
Holarctic and northern Oriental regions; in North America, mostly northern and western montane.
Diet
Primarily carnivorous, with some species being herbivorous or omnivorous; they actively hunt any invertebrate prey they can overpower.
Life Cycle
Not specified in the provided data.
Reproduction
Not specified in the provided data.
Predators
Not specified in the provided data.
Conservation Status
Not specified in the provided data.
Ecosystem Role
As predators of invertebrates, they help control pest populations and can serve as biological control agents.
Economic Impact
Helpful in controlling agricultural pests and can occasionally become nuisance pests depending on species.
Cultural Significance
Some species have been popular subjects of collection and study, notably during the 19th century, influencing enthusiasts like Charles Darwin.
Health Concerns
Some species have defensive secretions that can be unpleasant to humans.
Evolution
Ground beetles evolved in the latter Triassic, having separated from their closest relatives by about 200 million years ago.
Similar Taxa
- False ground beetles (Trachypachidae)
- Tiger beetles (Cicindelidae)
Misconceptions
Some beetles, like the bombardier species, can produce noxious secretions that are often overstated in terms of their danger to humans.
Tags
- ground beetles
- Nebriini
- Carabidae
- ecology
- invertebrate predators