Calathus fuscipes
This record describes Calathus fuscipes (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 10 to 14 mm. This is a large, black ground beetle. Legs and antennae are usually red but can be dark. It has a relatively smooth outline, with the pronotum and elytra more or less forming a continuous line. Dry open ground, including gardens and arable land. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Sphodrini
- Genus
- Calathus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Dry open ground, including gardens and arable land.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calathus fuscipes. 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 Calathus fuscipes (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Calathus fuscipes
What is Calathus fuscipes?
Calathus fuscipes is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Calathus fuscipes?
10 to 14 mm. This is a large, black ground beetle. Legs and antennae are usually red but can be dark. It has a relatively smooth outline, with the pronotum and elytra more or less forming a continuous line.
Where is Calathus fuscipes found?
Habitat: Dry open ground, including gardens and arable land.
When is Calathus fuscipes active?
Calathus fuscipes: seasonal activity - All year round..