Brachinus olgae facts for kids

Brachinus olgae is a fascinating type of ground beetle that lives only in Spain. It's a special insect because it's found nowhere else in the world! This beetle belongs to a group called Brachinoaptinus, which is a subgenus of the Brachinus genus.

What is Brachinus olgae?

Brachinus olgae is a specific kind of ground beetle. Ground beetles are a very large family of insects. They are known for being fast runners. Most ground beetles are active at night. They often hide under rocks or logs during the day.

Meet the Ground Beetles

Ground beetles are usually dark in color. Many are black or metallic. They have hard wing covers. These covers protect their delicate flying wings. Most ground beetles are predators. This means they hunt and eat other small insects. They help control pest populations.

Where Does Brachinus olgae Live?

Brachinus olgae is found only in Spain. This makes it an "endemic" species. Endemic means it naturally lives in just one specific area. It cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. Spain has many different habitats. These include forests, mountains, and coastal areas. This variety supports many unique species.

Why is it "Endemic"?

When a species is endemic, it means it has adapted perfectly to its local environment. This can be due to specific climate conditions. It might also be because of unique food sources. Or it could be due to geographical barriers. These barriers, like mountains or oceans, prevent the species from spreading. For Brachinus olgae, Spain provides the perfect home.

How Was It Discovered?

Brachinus olgae was first described in 1993. A scientist named Oscar Arribas identified it. Describing a species means giving it a scientific name. It also means documenting its features. This helps other scientists study and understand it. Discovering new species is important. It helps us learn more about Earth's biodiversity.

See also

In Spanish: Brachinus olgae para niños