Bembidion nigropiceum is a small, fast-moving water beetle in the Trechinae subfamily.

Bembidion nigropiceum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Carabidae
Genus: Bembidion
Species:
B. nigropiceum
Binomial name
Bembidion nigropiceum
Marsham, 1802
Synonyms[1]
  • Bembidion puritanum

Description edit

The species is black coloured and have a length of 7.5 millimetres (0.30 in). The distinctive feature of this kind of species is that it doesn't have metallic sheen.[2] They are closely related to Bembidion laticeps.[1]

Distribution edit

The species can be found in Kent, Pembrokeshire and from Cornwall to the northern part of Suffolk in England and Wales. It can also be found in Mediterranean coast and near the English Channel.[2] The species were introduced to Massachusetts in the late 1800s by ships that were coming to the New World.[1]

Ecology edit

The species emerge in spring, following by larval stage in summer, and hibernation in winter. They can be seen from March to June. Both larva and adults are considered to be predators, because they hunt for small insects.[2]

Habitat edit

They can be found on shingle and sand beaches, or in a rubble between the cracks of the coastal cliffs.[2]

Threat status edit

The species is considered to be Nationally Scarce in Great Britain.[2]

Conservation edit

Due to its decline in Great Britain the species therefore are protected by UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The decline happen to be from habitat loss which is due to the invasion of Himalayan Balsam and floods.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Terry L. Erwin and David H. Kavanaugh (1980). "On The Identity of Bembidion puritanum Hayward (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Bembidini)" (PDF). The Coleopterists Bulletin.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Ground beetle (Bembidion nigropiceum)". ARKive. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2013.