ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles

Harpalus spadiceus

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

Identification and Appearance

Harpalus spadiceus - Harpalus spadiceus — Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

single setigerous pore on the 3d interval and short hind wings; two morphs of adults:

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

e. NA (QC-ON to GA)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Harpalus (Euharpalops) spadiceus Dejean

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

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