Elaphrus americanus
This record describes Elaphrus americanus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Elaphrinae
- Genus
- Elaphrus (Marsh Ground Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
From the arctic treeline south to central British Columbia and east to Newfoundland. Along the pacific coast from British Columbia to southern Oregon, eastward across southern British Columbia to southwestern Alberta, south to northeastern Oregon, central Idaho and central Colorado.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Elaphrus americanus. 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 Elaphrus americanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth