Chlaenius purpuricollis
This record describes Chlaenius purpuricollis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
adult habitus This relatively small chlaeniine had been rarely collected until pitfall trapping showed that it is common in alvars, which are flat, relatively open grassy areas with shallow or sporadic soil cover over calcareous bedrock. Alvars are known from Sweden, Estonia, New York, Michigan, Ohio, and particularly central Canada. The chlaeniine is also found in similar habitats in other parts of North America.
Identification notes
adult habitus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Chlaeniini
- Genus
- Chlaenius (Vivid Metallic Ground Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
most common in alvars, which are flat, relatively open grassy areas with shallow or sporadic soil cover over calcareous bedrock.
Geographic Range
NM-NY-QC-NT
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chlaenius purpuricollis Randall 1838
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chlaenius purpuricollis. 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 Chlaenius purpuricollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chlaenius purpuricollis
What is Chlaenius purpuricollis?
Chlaenius purpuricollis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Chlaenius purpuricollis?
adult habitus
Where is Chlaenius purpuricollis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | most common in alvars, which are flat, relatively open grassy areas with shallow or sporadic soil cover over calcareous bedrock. |
| Range | NM-NY-QC-NT |