Anisodactylus binotatus

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Anisodactylus binotatus
Anisodactylus binotatus (Fabricius, 1787) (2892222821).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Carabidae
Subfamily: Harpalinae
Tribe: Harpalini
Subtribe: Anisodactylina
Genus: Anisodactylus
Species:
A. binotatus
Binomial name
Anisodactylus binotatus
( Fabricius, 1787)


Anisodactylus binotatus is a species of ground beetle native to Europe. [1] [2] It was discovered as being introduced to Canterbury, New Zealand in 1938. [3] Anisodactylus binotatus (Fabricius, 1787) is a species of Carabidae, also known as the ground beetle family. [4] Although this species of beetle has no official recorded common names, literature from England refers to it as the common shortspur beetle. [5] [6]

Contents

Description

A. binotatus ranges from 10–12.7 mm (0.39–0.50 in) in length and has shiny black colouration. [4] This shine is not metallic but a black polish shine. [4] This black colouration is present on the head, pronotum, and femora. [7] The pronotum is the first segment or hard plate that protects the thorax [5] [8] .The femora is the leg segment which connects to the tibia and coxa [5] [8]

A defining feature of the order Coleoptera is a hardened pair of forewings. [8] This feature is referred to as the elytra. [8] Because Anisodactylus binotatus belongs to Coleoptera, it too has these leather- like hardened forewings which are black. [7] The elytra has a uniform impressed pattern, with small evenly spaced 'crinkle'-like waves in the elytra. [7] Setae which look like light hairs can be found at the base or apex of the elytra and down the side [4] [7]

The tibia (leg segment connected to the femora) and tarsi (gripping segments on 'feet') have a light brown or red-black colouration. [5] [7] [8] A defining feature of this beetle is the basal segment of the posterior tarsus being twice the length of the second tarsal segment. [7] The Anisodactylus genus can be recognized by the length of its apical spur on the hind tibia [5] .The first segment on the antennae are red-brown with the remaining segments black. [7] The antennae reach the base of the pronotum [7]

A distinctive feature of Anisodactylus binotatus is a red spot between the eyes on frons. [7] [4] The frons are the plate/segment of the exoskeleton which make up the front of the head between the eyes down to the mouth. [8] Some individuals of this species have two separate red spots on the frons, this spot is elongated horizontally. [7] The shoulders of this species are a defining feature as they are strongly developed and slightly rounded [4]

Geographic distribution

A. binotatus is native to Europe but can be found around the world. [9] This species can be found in North America in states near the coast, throughout Europe, and in the Portuguese Islands. [9] In the United Kingdom, this beetle has an extensive distribution. [10] It can be found throughout England, Ireland and Wales. In lowland Scotland, it is a fairly common species. [10]

The Anisodactylus genus currently contains around twenty-one species. [11] Fifteen species are found in the Northern Hemisphere and six in the Southern Hemisphere. [11] Specifically, thirteen are found in North America and are considered native. [11] One species only occurs in Northern Africa and one other species occurs in both Africa and South West Eurasia. [11] Six species exist in Eurasia. [11]

New Zealand range

This exotic species of ground beetle first established in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1938 and has since spread across mid Canterbury. [7] To date, A. binotatus can be found throughout both the North and South islands of New Zealand. [12] In the North Island, they can be found in the Wellington region, in the South Island they can be found in South and Mid Canterbury, Otago Lakes, Central Otago, and Dunedin. [12]

Habitat

A. binotatus can be found under substrate such as logs, stones, and plant debris. [12] They can also be found in fields and soil burrows like many other ground beetles. [12] Interestingly, A. binotatus are lowland dwelling and can often be found near water sources such as peat bogs, and near the lake banks. [13] Explaining their preference for moderately moist soil conditions and clay loam soils. [13] As demonstrated by its geographical distribution A. binotatus is an exceptionally successful colonist. [13] Part of this could be because it can survive in habitats and niches of anthropogenic origin. [13] Some of these habitats include reservoirs, greenhouses, dumps, and cultivated fields with grass or herbaceous cover. [13]

Life cycle/Phenology

While not much is known about the natural history and phenology of Anisodactylus binotatus, a study done in Europe on the life cycles of Carabidae included Anisodactylus signatus which belongs to the same genus. Based on the similarity of these species it is possible to suggest that Anisodactylus binotatus has an annual life cycle, where a new generation is produced each year. [14]

Larvae undergo their development within several months and emerge as adults. [14] In New Zealand during April larvae of this species tend to undergo imago, (the final development and growth stage for winged insects) forming a pupa. [4] [8] The Anisodactylus genus is suggested to have a summer reproductive rhythm. [15] In New Zealand during September to April this species is most reproductively active. [4] [14] During the colder months, like many ground beetles they are relatively inactive. [4] As suggested in European research, they could be in a state of hibernation. [14]

Eleven species of the Carabidae family show behaviors of parental care from the females towards their larvae and eggs. [12] Because A. binotatus belongs to Carabidae it is possible that it to has this parental behavior towards its offspring.

Carabidae stay underground during the larval stage of their life. [12] Once larvae have emerged from metamorphosis as adults, the beetles begin to live on the surface. [12] As adults they tend to be nocturnal but can sometimes be active during warm days. [12]

In the UK A. binotatus can use the wings which develop during the pupal stage for flight as an adult. [11] [5] This is suggested to have impacted the global distribution as it allows the species to move larger distances and disperse easier than many other flightless Carabidae. [11] [5]

Diet and foraging

Based on a study in Europe, A. binotatus larvae are carnivorous, feeding on small worms and Mollusca. species [4] Adults become omnivorous, also feeding on small seeds and strawberries. [4] Other studies suggest that it primarily feeds on seeds during its adult stage [5]

Predators, parasites, and diseases

There are many bird species and introduced pest predators that feed on New Zealand ground beetles. [12] Starlings and kiwi are the most common predator for ground beetles, as well as hedgehogs. [12] Birds such as Magpies, king fishers, fernbirds, and thrushes, as well as mammals including stoats, feral cats, rats, and even asilids are also occasional predators of the ground beetles. [12]

Spiders appear to be one of the largest and most relevant predators to Carabidae. [12] Spider predation in open fields of grasses/tussocks, fell fields, and fields with many herbaceous plants is most common. [12]

Parasites in the form of mites and fungi can be found on many ground beetle species. About 137 species of carabid beetles observed have been found carrying Acari (mites), and 48 species can be infected with Laboulbeniales which is a parasitic biotrophic fungi. [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beetle</span> Order of insects

Beetles are insects that form the order Coleoptera, in the superorder Holometabola. Their front pair of wings are hardened into wing-cases, elytra, distinguishing them from most other insects. The Coleoptera, with about 400,000 described species, is the largest of all orders, constituting almost 40% of described insects and 25% of all known animal species; new species are discovered frequently, with estimates suggesting that there are between 0.9 and 2.1 million total species. Found in almost every habitat except the sea and the polar regions, they interact with their ecosystems in several ways: beetles often feed on plants and fungi, break down animal and plant debris, and eat other invertebrates. Some species are serious agricultural pests, such as the Colorado potato beetle, while others such as Coccinellidae eat aphids, scale insects, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects that damage crops. Some others also have unusual characteristics, such as fireflies, which use a light-emitting organ for mating and communication purposes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adephaga</span> Suborder of beetles

The Adephaga are a suborder of beetles, and with more than 40,000 recorded species in 10 families, the second-largest of the four beetle suborders. Members of this suborder are collectively known as adephagans. The largest family is Carabidae which comprises most of the suborder with over 40,000 species. Adephaga also includes a variety of aquatic beetles, such as predaceous diving beetles and whirligig beetles.

<i>Amphizoa</i> Genus of beetles

Amphizoa is a genus of aquatic beetles in the suborder Adephaga, placed in its own monogeneric family, Amphizoidae. There are five known species of Amphizoa, three in western North America and two in the eastern Palearctic. They are sometimes referred to by the common name troutstream beetles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bloody-nosed beetle</span> Species of beetle

The bloody-nosed beetle, also called blood spewer or blood-spewing beetle, is a leaf beetle native to Europe.

<i>Velleius dilatatus</i> Species of beetle

Velleius dilatatus, the hornet rove beetle, is a species of rove beetle belonging to the family Staphylinidae. This beetle is commensal with the European hornet, living in its nests.

<i>Neocicindela tuberculata</i> Species of beetle

Neocicindela tuberculata is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae, endemic to New Zealand. Its common names include common tiger beetle, moeone, and papapa, and in its larval stage penny doctor, butcher boy, kapuku, kui, kurikuri, moeone, and muremure. Neocicindela tuberculata was the first carabid beetle described from New Zealand. The species can run as fast as 5 miles per hour and are considered to be the fastest running beetles. Adult species prefer clay banks in summer and are good predators when in comes to insects.

<i>Lilioceris merdigera</i> Species of beetle

Lilioceris merdigera is a species of beetle belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Criocerinae.

<i>Lebia grandis</i> Species of beetle

Lebia grandis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae found in North America. It is a specialist predator on the eggs and larvae of Colorado potato beetles, and its larvae are obligate parasitoids of Colorado potato beetle pupae.

<i>Broscus cephalotes</i> Species of beetle

Broscus cephalotes is a species of nocturnal, coastal ground beetle found throughout most of Europe. Its range spans from western Europe into western Siberia. The species was introduced recently in the eastern areas of Canada and has spread farther south and west into the United States. As a member of the family Carabidae, Broscus cephalotes is generally considered beneficial to humans due to its predatory habits. Their varied diet often includes crop pests and other small organisms.

<i>Epomis</i> Subgenus of beetles

Epomis is a subgenus of ground beetle genus Chlaenius. The larvae of this subgenus are notable for being obligate role-reversal predators. Amphibians such as frogs are normally predators of beetles; however, Epomis larvae feed exclusively on amphibians.

<i>Notagonum submetallicum</i> Species of beetle

Notagonum submetallicum is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Platyninae. It was described by Adam White in 1846.

<i>Megadromus antarcticus</i> Species of beetle

Megadromus antarcticus, also known as the “Alexander beetle”, is a member of the Carabidae family and only found in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Megadromus antarcticus are easily recognized by their iridescent green colouration.

<i>Chlaenius dejeanii</i> Species of beetle

Chlaenius dejeanii is a species of ground beetle native to the Palearctic and the Middle East. It is known from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Russia, Syria, Turkey, and Ukraine.

<i>Chlaenius nigricans</i> Species of beetle

Chlaenius nigricans is a species of ground beetle native to the Palearctic. It is known from Borneo, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, North Korea, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan.

<i>Pterostichus melanarius</i> Species of ground beetle

Pterostichus melanarius, the Rain Beetle, is a type of carabid of the genus Coleoptera. It is native to Europe but is increasingly found in North America after being introduced to the region in the 1920s. It is a predatory beetle that eats invertebrate pests, which makes it a valuable pest control agent in agricultural settings. Additionally, the beetle has wing dimorphism which has contributed to its increasing distribution across North America.

<i>Sphaeroderma testaceum</i> Species of beetle

Sphaeroderma testaceum, the artichoke beetle, is a species of flea beetles in the family Chrysomelidae.

<i>Calleida viridipennis</i> Species of ground beetle

The Calleida viridipennis is a species of ground beetle belonging to the Carabidae family, and are referred to as carabid beetles. It is found in various states, including New York, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Florida. Habitat preferences include forests and swamps. C. virdipennis is a particular carabid beetle that is, on average, 10 mm long. Recognizable by a green-black metallic exoskeleton, it has a trapezoidal head shape. Its large eyes are also characteristic of the species. Below the exoskeleton reside functional wings, giving the beetle flight capacity.

<i>Mecodema howitti</i> Species of beetle

Mecodema howitti, termed the Large Banks Peninsula ground beetle, is a carnivorous forest ground beetle in the genus Mecodema. It is endemic to Banks Peninsula, Canterbury, New Zealand, and is the largest of the 16 carabids found in the area.

<i>Illeis cincta</i> Species of beetle

Illeis cincta, is a species of lady beetle native to India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

<i>Mecodema crenicolle</i> Species of beetle

Mecodema crenicolle is an endemic species of ground beetle from New Zealand.

References

  1. ↑ Fauna Europaea
  2. ↑ Carl H. Lindroth 1974 Coleoptera. Carabidae. Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects Vol 4 Part 2. Royal Entomological Society,London pdf Archived 2014-11-12 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ↑ Pilgrim, R.L.C. (1963). "Anisodactylus binotatus Fabr., a carabid beetle new to New Zealand, and a review of the exotic carabid fauna". Pacific Insects. 5 (4): 837–847. CiteSeerX   10.1.1.596.3311 .
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Larochelle, A.; Lariviere, M (2005). Harpalini (Insecta: Coleoptera: Carabidae: Harpalinae). Number 53. Manaaki Whenua Press.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Walters, J.; Mark, T. "Guides to British Beetles 14. Anisodactylus Shortspurs Ground Beetles (Coleoptera; Carabidae)". John Walters.
  6. ↑ "Anisodactylus binotatus (Fabricius, 1787)". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Pilgrim, R. L. C (30 December 1936). "Anisodactylus Binotatus Fabr., A Carabid Beetle New to New Zealand and A Review of The Exotic Carabid Fauna". Pacific Insects 5. 4: 837–847.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Lab 3: Insect external and Internal morphology" (PDF). Oregon State University. 10 May 2023.
  9. 1 2 "Anisodactylus binotatus (Fabricius, 1787)". GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. GBIF Secretariat (2022). Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  10. 1 2 "Anisodactylus binotatus (Fabricius, 1787)". UK Beetle Recording. Biological Records Centre. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Noonan, G. R (November 1999). "GIS analysis of the biogeography of beetles of the subgenus Anisodactylus (Insecta: Coleoptera: Carabidae: genus Anisodactylus)". Journal of Biogeography. 26 (6): 1147–1160.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Larochelle, A.; Lariviere, M.-C (2001). Carabidae (Insecta:Coleoptera):catalogue. Number 43. Manaaki Whenua Press.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 Larochelle, A.; Lariviere, M. (2003). A Natural History of the Ground-beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of America North of Mexico. Pensoft.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Matalin, A.V. (2007). "Typology of Life Cycles of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in Western Palaearctic" (PDF). Zoologicheskii Zhurnal. 86 (10): 1196–1220. doi:10.1134/S0013873807080027.
  15. ↑ Talarico, Federica; Giglio, Anita; Pizzolotto, Roberto; Brandmayr, Pietro (22 April 2016). "A synthesis of feeding habits and reproduction rhythm in Italian seed-feeding ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)". European Journal of Entomology. 113. doi: 10.14411/eje.2016.042 .
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