Ampedus balteatus
This record describes Ampedus balteatus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Approximately 1cm long. Ampedus balteatus is an attractive black and red click beetle - the predominantly red elytra turning black around two thirds down their length. Fairly wide ranging from broadleaved and mixed woodland to heath land and peat moorlands. The larvae develop in various tree species and utilise rotten stumps and branches. Pupation occurs in the autumn. Adults are diurnal and can be found resting sometimes quite conspicuously in foliage. Fairly common and widely distributed in England and Wales. Only a handful of records from northern and central Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Ampedus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Fairly wide ranging from broadleaved and mixed woodland to heath land and peat moorlands.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae develop in various tree species and utilise rotten stumps and branches. Pupation occurs in the autumn. Adults are diurnal and can be found resting sometimes quite conspicuously in foliage.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widely distributed in England and Wales. Only a handful of records from northern and central Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ampedus balteatus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ampedus balteatus
What is Ampedus balteatus?
Ampedus balteatus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Ampedus balteatus found?
Habitat: Fairly wide ranging from broadleaved and mixed woodland to heath land and peat moorlands.
What is the life cycle of a Ampedus balteatus?
The larvae develop in various tree species and utilise rotten stumps and branches. Pupation occurs in the autumn. Adults are diurnal and can be found resting sometimes quite conspicuously in foliage.