Murky Ground Beetle
Harpalus caliginosus
This record describes Harpalus caliginosus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Literature says head distinctly punctate, otherwise externally little different from Harpalus katiae which has head impunctate. In females the last tergite (pygidium) demonstrates an angulated apex with abrupt upturn of the margin at the tip unlike the evenly rounded apex without sudden upturn seen in Harpalus katiae . See subgenus page for more information. common at lights, incl. indoors ( 3 ) ; stridulate and release pungent odor in smokelike cloud when threatened ( 4 )
Wikipedia reference for Harpalus caliginosus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpalus_caliginosus.
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
Fields, cultivated land; often on Ragweed ( Ambrosia )
Geographic Range
transcontinental, Canada to Mexico; in our area, NS‒SK‒WA to FL‒CA
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Dec in SC
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults are predatory on other insects, esp. larvae. Also eats seeds, sometimes fruit (strawberries)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Harpalus caliginosus (Fabricius 1775)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Harpalus caliginosus. 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 Murky Ground Beetle (4)
Photo credits: (c) Aaron, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | (c) Levi smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Levi smith | (c) Jaime Baxter-Slye, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jaime Baxter-Slye | (c) lesalesees, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , Peter Messer , David Ferguson , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Murky Ground Beetle
What is Murky Ground Beetle?
Murky Ground Beetle (Harpalus caliginosus) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Murky Ground Beetle?
18‒26 mm, larger than most congeners
How do you identify Murky Ground Beetle?
Literature says head distinctly punctate, otherwise externally little different from Harpalus katiae which has head impunctate. In females the last tergite (pygidium) demonstrates an angulated apex with abrupt upturn of the margin at the tip unlike the evenly rounded apex without sudden upturn seen in Harpalus katiae . See subgenus page for more information.
Where is Murky Ground Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Fields, cultivated land; often on Ragweed ( Ambrosia ) |
| Range | transcontinental, Canada to Mexico; in our area, NS‒SK‒WA to FL‒CA |
What does Murky Ground Beetle eat?
The diet of the Murky Ground Beetle includes Adults are predatory on other insects, esp. larvae. Also eats seeds, sometimes fruit (strawberries).
When is Murky Ground Beetle active?
Murky Ground Beetle: seasonal activity - Apr-Dec in SC.