Harpalus affinis
This record describes Harpalus affinis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8.5 to12 mm. the male is a handsome and normally shiny ground beetle which may have a metallic sheen of blue, green, maroon or black. Only the male is metallic - the female is dull black.The elytra are pubescent only along the margins. It is commonly found in dry places, running over the soil surface. In dull weather it hides under stones. Unlike many ground beetles, it is active during the day. The larvae are predatory, feeding on small soil invertebrates, whilst adults feed on seeds, particularly of grasses, umbellifers and members of the Daisy family.
Wikipedia reference for Harpalus affinis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpalus_affinis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Harpalini
- Genus
- Harpalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is commonly found in dry places, running over the soil surface. In dull weather it hides under stones.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Unlike many ground beetles, it is active during the day. The larvae are predatory, feeding on small soil invertebrates, whilst adults feed on seeds, particularly of grasses, umbellifers and members of the Daisy family.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Harpalus affinis. 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 Harpalus affinis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harpalus affinis
What is Harpalus affinis?
Harpalus affinis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Harpalus affinis?
8.5 to12 mm. the male is a handsome and normally shiny ground beetle which may have a metallic sheen of blue, green, maroon or black. Only the male is metallic - the female is dull black.The elytra are pubescent only along the margins.
Where is Harpalus affinis found?
Habitat: It is commonly found in dry places, running over the soil surface. In dull weather it hides under stones.
What is the life cycle of a Harpalus affinis?
Unlike many ground beetles, it is active during the day. The larvae are predatory, feeding on small soil invertebrates, whilst adults feed on seeds, particularly of grasses, umbellifers and members of the Daisy family.