Bembidion levettei
David R. Maddison
Adult External Characteristics
Extensive mirrors on the elytra, in the pattern shown in the figure. Anterior elytral mirrors generally connected to middle mirrors by a broad mirror on interval 3; mirrors on intervals 6 and 7 located nearer anterior silver spot, broadly connected to inner mirrors. Front angle of pronotum not flared outward, midlateral seta present.
Male Genitalia
Ventral Sclerite Patch of male genitalia with both basins and dorsal ridge scaled (a few specimens lack or have only very small scales).
Left: Lateral view. Right: Central Sclerite Complex.
Comparison with Related Species
Compare with:
B. levettei specimens are often confused with other North American species with mirrors on elytral intervals 6 and 7, B. zephyrum and B. inaequale. See Separating B. zephyrum from B. levettei for details on distinguishing those two species. The simplest method of distinguishing B. levettei from B. inaequale using external characters is to examine the position of the outer mirrors on the sixth and seventh intervals: in B. levettei they are near the anterior silver spot, with at least the anterior margin of the outer mirrors in line with the anterior silver spot, and are generally broadly connected to the inner mirrors; in B. inaequale the outer mirrors are farther back, and are often isolated, not broadly connected to the inner mirrors. See Separating B. inaequale from B. levettei for more details.
Geographic Variation
This species consists of two distinct forms, B. levettei levettei and B. levettei carrianum. Bembidion levettei levettei lack the basodorsal lobe of the internal sac possessed by members of B. levettei carrianum. There are a few somewhat consistent differences in external characters. Members of B. levettei levettei tend to be larger and shinier than B. levettei carrianum, with the mirrors more contrasted in luster and color to the surrounding surface. Mirrors on intervals 5 through 7 are often slightly more posteriad in B. levettei levettei. The elytra of B. levettei levettei are in general a bit more parallel-sided, and the pronotal sides are a little less rounded.
Geographic Distribution
A Nearctic species. B. levettei levettei is a montane form, living from southern British Columbia and Alberta to Idaho, Colorado, and northernmost New Mexico. B. levettei carrianum is transamerican, from Newfoundland west through Minnesota to central Alberta, British Columbia, and north into Alaska and the North West Territories. In the following map, B. levettei levettei is symbolized by green squares, B. levettei carrianum by red circles.
Habitat
Found most commonly on barren sand or sand-silt banks of rivers; also on creek and lake banks.
Nomenclature
- Bembidion levettei Casey 1918. Lectotype male in USNM.
- Bembidion carrianum Casey 1924
Title Illustrations
| Scientific Name | Bembidion levettei |
|---|---|
| Location | Canada: British Columbia: Malakwa |
| Specimen Condition | Dead Specimen |
| Sex | Male |
| Image Use |
 This media file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License - Version 3.0.
|
| Copyright |
© 2004 David R. Maddison
|
About This Page
David R. Maddison
Oregon State University
Page copyright © 1995 David R. Maddison
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Bembidion levettei .
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Citing this page:
Maddison, David R. 1995. Bembidion levettei . Version 01 January 1995 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Bembidion_levettei/404/1995.01.01 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/
