ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles

Harpalus providens

This record describes Harpalus providens (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Harpalus providens - Harpalus providens
(c) Owen Ridgen, all rights reserved, uploaded by Owen Ridgen

Harpalus providens is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae. It was described by Casey in 1914.

Wikipedia reference for Harpalus providens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpalus providens.

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

Geographic Range

s.QC-n.MN, SD, south to c.MO-sw.VA

Seasonal Activity

Nearly year-round. ( 3 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Harpalus providens Casey 1914

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Harpalus providens. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Harpalus providens (2)

Harpalus providens - photo 1
(c) Owen Ridgen, all rights reserved, uploaded by Owen Ridgen | (c) Ludo Leclerc, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ludo Leclerc | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Thrasher
Harpalus providens - photo 2
(c) Owen Ridgen, all rights reserved, uploaded by Owen Ridgen | (c) Ludo Leclerc, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ludo Leclerc | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Thrasher

Photo credits: (c) Owen Ridgen, all rights reserved, uploaded by Owen Ridgen | (c) Ludo Leclerc, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ludo Leclerc | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Thrasher

Frequently Asked Questions About Harpalus providens

What is Harpalus providens?

Harpalus providens is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Harpalus providens?

11.2-14.2mm

Where is Harpalus providens found?

Range: s.QC-n.MN, SD, south to c.MO-sw.VA

When is Harpalus providens active?

Harpalus providens: seasonal activity - Nearly year-round. ( 3 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: (c) Owen Ridgen, all rights reserved, uploaded by Owen Ridgen | (c) Ludo Leclerc, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ludo Leclerc | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Thrasher. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.