Ampedus rubricollis
This record describes Ampedus rubricollis (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Ampedus rubricollis (Ampedus rubricollis) is a species in the family Elateridae, commonly known as click beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Elaterinae, tribe Ampedini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Elateroidea. This species belongs to the genus Ampedus. Size: 8.5‒14.0 mm.
Identification notes
all-dark form (' socer ') occurs
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Elaterinae
- Tribe
- Ampedini
- Genus
- Ampedus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.NA (QC‒FL to ON‒MN‒TX)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ampedus rubricollis (Herbst 1806)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ampedus rubricollis. 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 Ampedus rubricollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , bmathison1972
Frequently Asked Questions About Ampedus rubricollis
What is Ampedus rubricollis?
Ampedus rubricollis is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ampedus rubricollis?
8.5‒14.0 mm
How do you identify Ampedus rubricollis?
all-dark form (' socer ') occurs
Where is Ampedus rubricollis found?
Range: e.NA (QC‒FL to ON‒MN‒TX)
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