Chlaenius tricolor
This record describes Chlaenius tricolor (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
:
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
Geographic Range
Ch. t. tricolor is widespread east of the Rockies (NF-GA to MT-c.NM), Ch. t. vigilans so.BC-CA-UT to Guatemala; the two intergrade just west of the Rocky Mts
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chlaenius tricolor Dejean 1826
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chlaenius tricolor. 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 tricolor (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chlaenius tricolor
How big is Chlaenius tricolor?
11-14 mm
How do you identify Chlaenius tricolor?
:
Where is Chlaenius tricolor found?
Range: Ch. t. tricolor is widespread east of the Rockies (NF-GA to MT-c.NM), Ch. t. vigilans so.BC-CA-UT to Guatemala; the two intergrade just west of the Rocky Mts