Chlaenius sericeus
This record describes Chlaenius sericeus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the only member of the sericeus group in our fauna
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
edges of lakes and streams
Geographic Range
throughout the US and adjacent Canada; Mexico
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒Nov (absent in mid-summer?) in SC ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chlaenius sericeus (Forster 1771)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chlaenius sericeus. 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 sericeus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chlaenius sericeus
What is Chlaenius sericeus?
Chlaenius sericeus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chlaenius sericeus?
11‒16 mm
Where is Chlaenius sericeus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | edges of lakes and streams |
| Range | throughout the US and adjacent Canada; Mexico |
When is Chlaenius sericeus active?
Chlaenius sericeus: seasonal activity - Mar‒Nov (absent in mid-summer?) in SC ( 3 ).