Anisodactylus rusticus
This record describes Anisodactylus rusticus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Anisodactylus rusticus (Anisodactylus rusticus) is a species in the family Carabidae, commonly known as ground beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Harpalinae, tribe Harpalini, suborder Adephaga. This species belongs to the genus Anisodactylus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 7.8-12.2 mm. It is found in open places: fields, orchards, sand/gravel pits, forest edges, usually on sandy soils with scattered vegetation. Active during mostly Apr-Sept.
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, orchards, sand/gravel pits, forest edges, usually on sandy soils with scattered vegetation
Geographic Range
e. NA (NS-MB-WY south to n.FL-e.TX-n.CO) - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-Sept ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anisodactylus rusticus. 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 rusticus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Anisodactylus rusticus
What is Anisodactylus rusticus?
Anisodactylus rusticus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anisodactylus rusticus?
7.8-12.2 mm
Where is Anisodactylus rusticus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | open places: fields, orchards, sand/gravel pits, forest edges, usually on sandy soils with scattered vegetation |
| Range | e. NA (NS-MB-WY south to n.FL-e.TX-n.CO) - Map |
When is Anisodactylus rusticus active?
Anisodactylus rusticus: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-Sept ( 3 ).