Agonum quadrimaculatum
This record describes Agonum quadrimaculatum (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Rufo-testaceous, head black, elytra black with a large humeral spot confluent with that on the opposite side, another very little smaller near the apex. Det. David Kavanaugh Type Locality: collected by Mr. Klages Feb. 27, 1881, under the bark of a fallen gum tree near Owensburgh, Ky. (banks of the Ohio, near Louisville.)
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
Mixed hardwood bottom land woodland. This species was fairly abundant here under very wet rotting bark and wood. (Gordon C. Snelling pers. obs. on 25 December, 2019)
Geographic Range
IN south to e.TX-AL - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species is apparently quite cold resistant. Material chilled in the fridge and specimens that had been sitting on ice cubes were up and running almost immediately. (Gordon C. Snelling pers. obs. on 25 December, 2019)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agonum quadrimaculatum. 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 quadrimaculatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Curt H.; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Agonum quadrimaculatum
What is Agonum quadrimaculatum?
Agonum quadrimaculatum is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agonum quadrimaculatum?
Length: 7.5 mm (type)
How do you identify Agonum quadrimaculatum?
Rufo-testaceous, head black, elytra black with a large humeral spot confluent with that on the opposite side, another very little smaller near the apex. Det. David Kavanaugh
Where is Agonum quadrimaculatum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mixed hardwood bottom land woodland. This species was fairly abundant here under very wet rotting bark and wood. (Gordon C. Snelling pers. obs. on 25 December, 2019) |
| Range | IN south to e.TX-AL - Map |
What is the life cycle of a Agonum quadrimaculatum?
This species is apparently quite cold resistant. Material chilled in the fridge and specimens that had been sitting on ice cubes were up and running almost immediately. (Gordon C. Snelling pers. obs. on 25 December, 2019)