Calathus melanocephalus
This record describes Calathus melanocephalus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 6 to 8 mm. It is usually black with a bright red thorax and pale legs. This ground beetle is usually found where there is bare, sandy soil. It lives during the day under stones and amongst leaf litter, coming out to hunt for small invertebrates at night.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Carabidae
- Genus
- Calathus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This ground beetle is usually found where there is bare, sandy soil.
Seasonal Activity
Best months are April to September
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It lives during the day under stones and amongst leaf litter, coming out to hunt for small invertebrates at night.
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 Calathus melanocephalus. 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 melanocephalus (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Calathus melanocephalus
What is Calathus melanocephalus?
Calathus melanocephalus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Calathus melanocephalus?
about 6 to 8 mm. It is usually black with a bright red thorax and pale legs.
Where is Calathus melanocephalus found?
Habitat: This ground beetle is usually found where there is bare, sandy soil.
When is Calathus melanocephalus active?
Calathus melanocephalus: seasonal activity - Best months are April to September.
What is the life cycle of a Calathus melanocephalus?
It lives during the day under stones and amongst leaf litter, coming out to hunt for small invertebrates at night.