Black Clock Beetle
Pterostichus madidus
This record describes Pterostichus madidus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large (15-20 mm) shiny black ground beetle with either all black legs or wine-red legs (variety concinnus ). The well-rounded pronotum helps to distinguish this species from other similar ground beetles. Lives under stones, loose bark and grass tussocks. It is a very common beetle in gardens and on arable land. The species breeds in the autumn and the larvae overwinter. Adults are most common in the summer months. Largely predatory on many ground-living invertebrates, including caterpillars and slugs, but the adult also eats some plant material.
Wikipedia reference for Pterostichus madidus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterostichus_madidus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Carabidae
- Genus
- Pterostichus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lives under stones, loose bark and grass tussocks. It is a very common beetle in gardens and on arable land.
Seasonal Activity
The species breeds in the autumn and the larvae overwinter. Adults are most common in the summer months.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Largely predatory on many ground-living invertebrates, including caterpillars and slugs, but the adult also eats some plant material.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pterostichus madidus. 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 Black Clock Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Clock Beetle
What is Black Clock Beetle?
Black Clock Beetle (Pterostichus madidus) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Black Clock Beetle found?
Habitat: Lives under stones, loose bark and grass tussocks. It is a very common beetle in gardens and on arable land.
When is Black Clock Beetle active?
Black Clock Beetle: seasonal activity - The species breeds in the autumn and the larvae overwinter. Adults are most common in the summer months..
What is the life cycle of a Black Clock Beetle?
Largely predatory on many ground-living invertebrates, including caterpillars and slugs, but the adult also eats some plant material.