Lebia cruxminor
Local name: Lebia croisée
Lebia cruxminor is a small ground beetle species characterized by its distinctive cross-shaped markings on the elytra and metallic bronze-green coloration. This specialized predatory beetle plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by controlling populations of smaller arthropods and serving as prey for insectivorous birds and spiders.
42
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebia_cruxminor
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Carabidae
Genus
Lebia
Lebia cruxminor belongs to the family Carabidae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Lebia cruxminor is a small ground beetle species characterized by its distinctive cross-shaped markings on the elytra and metallic bronze-green coloration. This specialized predatory beetle plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by controlling populations of smaller arthropods and serving as prey for insectivorous birds and spiders.
Lebia cruxminor faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urbanization in its limited range. The species' specialized ecological requirements and small population size make it extremely vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Lebia cruxminor inhabits remnant patches of native grassland with sparse shrub cover, typically found in areas with well-drained sandy soils and specific host plants. The species requires microhabitats with fallen logs and leaf litter that provide shelter and hunting grounds for its specialized predatory lifestyle.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Lebia cruxminor faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urbanization in its limited range. The species' specialized ecological requirements and small population size make it extremely vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Habitat loss from agricultural conversion
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change affecting microhabitat conditions
Pesticide use in agricultural areas
Found in 42 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Lebia cruxminor (Lebia cruxminor). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/lebia-croisee