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NOTE: As of 2014, the California Beetle Project page is no longer updated. The original database and list of California beetles in the menu on the left will remain for the time being, but the information contained within is not necessarily current. SBMNH Entomology Curator Matthew L. Gimmel has divided up the function of the original database into two conceptual halves:

  1. The SBMNH Entomology specimen-level database, including all SBMNH beetle specimens included in the CBP database, which is now available (and ever-growing) through the ecdysis portal at https://serv.biokic.asu.edu/ecdysis/

  2. A literature- (and available specimen-)based checklist.
  3. of the Coleoptera of California, which is being revised and re-compiled by Dr. Gimmel, and, as of January 2017, is about 85% complete.




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Last updated 01/16/2009

 California Beetle Project > Species Pages > Lebia viridis

Classification

Scientific name: Lebia viridis Say
    Order Coleoptera
    Superfamily Caraboidea
    Family Carabidae

Images (click to enlarge)

What it looks like: This species averages 5mm in length. The head, pronotum, and elytra are entirely metallic, either shiny, dark, or dull blue. The head has distinct lines throughout but are more prominent on the frons between the eyes. Both the legs and the antennae are dark but the legs may have a tint of metallic color. The ridge at the base of the wing cover is complete.

Where you'll find it: This species has been found in western Canada as well as throughout the United States.

Natural History: Lebia viridis adults have been found feeding on the immature stages of grape vine flea beetles.

This page was written by Beatriz Alvarez, a 2005 participant in the Quasars to Sea Stars teen program.




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