Agonum placidum
This record describes Agonum placidum (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black, at least partially with a metallic luster dorsally. Interval 3 with at least 5 non-foveate punctures. Has been collected by pitfall trapping, turning stones, sweeping & beating vegetation, light trapping, & turning drift debris. ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Platynini
- Genus
- Agonum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mostly nocturnal, under various forms of cover during the day. Found in open places, such as fields, vacant lots, pastures, grasslands, gardens, open forests, roadsides, and sand/gravel pits. ( 3 )
Geographic Range
Widely distributed in North America: NF-BC to CA-GA & Mexico State/Province Records:
Seasonal Activity
Can be found throughout the year. Mates in spring & overwinters as adults. ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predatory. ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agonum placidum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Agonum placidum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Agonum placidum
What is Agonum placidum?
Agonum placidum is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agonum placidum?
6.8 to 8.8 mm
How do you identify Agonum placidum?
Black, at least partially with a metallic luster dorsally. Interval 3 with at least 5 non-foveate punctures.
Where is Agonum placidum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mostly nocturnal, under various forms of cover during the day. Found in open places, such as fields, vacant lots, pastures, grasslands, gardens, open forests, roadsides, and sand/gravel pits. ( 3 ) |
| Range | Widely distributed in North America: NF-BC to CA-GA & Mexico State/Province Records: |
What does Agonum placidum eat?
The diet of the Agonum placidum includes Predatory. ( 3 ).
When is Agonum placidum active?
Agonum placidum: seasonal activity - Can be found throughout the year. Mates in spring & overwinters as adults. ( 3 ).