Hemicrepidius hirtus
This record describes Hemicrepidius hirtus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of the larger British Click Beetles at 13 to 17mm long. The species is uniformly black but with a slight silvery pubescence due to a covering of fine hairs. The elytral stria are deep giving a ridged appearance. The pronotum is rounded and the legs are black. State the beetle's size and describe the key identifying characters. Quite a widespread use of habitats, but most commonly on fertile soils in the English lowlands. All year round but especially in summer. The larvae are thought to develop in decaying wood; however any further detail seems to be unknown. Well distributed and fairly frequent in England and Wales north to Northumberland. Only a handful of scattered records from Scotland, mostly in the west. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Hemicrepidius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Quite a widespread use of habitats, but most commonly on fertile soils in the English lowlands.
Seasonal Activity
All year round but especially in summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are thought to develop in decaying wood; however any further detail seems to be unknown.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Well distributed and fairly frequent in England and Wales north to Northumberland. Only a handful of scattered records from Scotland, mostly in the west.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hemicrepidius hirtus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hemicrepidius hirtus
What is Hemicrepidius hirtus?
Hemicrepidius hirtus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Hemicrepidius hirtus found?
Habitat: Quite a widespread use of habitats, but most commonly on fertile soils in the English lowlands.
When is Hemicrepidius hirtus active?
Hemicrepidius hirtus: seasonal activity - All year round but especially in summer..
What is the life cycle of a Hemicrepidius hirtus?
The larvae are thought to develop in decaying wood; however any further detail seems to be unknown.