Crucifix Ground Beetle
Panagaeus cruxmajor
This record describes Panagaeus cruxmajor (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A largely black and rather bristly beetle, it is 8 to10 mm in length, with large red spots on its wing cases which give the appearance of a red background behind a black cross. Panagaeus bipustulatus is a commoner relative, looking very much alike except for being smaller. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. Please give an indication of size when submitting records for this species. It shelters under pieces of wood during the day. It is a nocturnal predatory species thought to mainly feed on semi-aquatic snails. Scarce and very local, mainly found in the southern half of Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Carabidae
- Genus
- Panagaeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It shelters under pieces of wood during the day.
Seasonal Activity
To follow.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a nocturnal predatory species thought to mainly feed on semi-aquatic snails.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scarce and very local, mainly found in the southern half of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Panagaeus cruxmajor. 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 Crucifix Ground Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Crucifix Ground Beetle
What is Crucifix Ground Beetle?
Crucifix Ground Beetle (Panagaeus cruxmajor) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Crucifix Ground Beetle found?
Habitat: It shelters under pieces of wood during the day.
When is Crucifix Ground Beetle active?
Crucifix Ground Beetle: seasonal activity - To follow..
What is the life cycle of a Crucifix Ground Beetle?
It is a nocturnal predatory species thought to mainly feed on semi-aquatic snails.