Anisodactylus nigerrimus
This record describes Anisodactylus nigerrimus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Clues include a pair of setae (bristles) on each side of clypeus plus pronotum with lateral margins minimally deplanate and hind angles rounded.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Harpalini
- Genus
- Anisodactylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
open places: fields, roadsides, sand/and gravel pits, forest edges/clearings, usually on dry sandy soils with scattered vegetation
Geographic Range
e. NA (NF–n.GA-MS to ON-NE-e.KS); recently caught in BC (may be introduction or misidentification))
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anisodactylus nigerrimus (Dejean 1831)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anisodactylus nigerrimus. 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 Anisodactylus nigerrimus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by tom murray , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Anisodactylus nigerrimus
What is Anisodactylus nigerrimus?
Anisodactylus nigerrimus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anisodactylus nigerrimus?
9.2-12.3 mm
How do you identify Anisodactylus nigerrimus?
Clues include a pair of setae (bristles) on each side of clypeus plus pronotum with lateral margins minimally deplanate and hind angles rounded.
Where is Anisodactylus nigerrimus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | open places: fields, roadsides, sand/and gravel pits, forest edges/clearings, usually on dry sandy soils with scattered vegetation |
| Range | e. NA (NF–n.GA-MS to ON-NE-e.KS); recently caught in BC (may be introduction or misidentification)) |