Notiophilus aquaticus
This record describes Notiophilus aquaticus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra with single preapical setigerous puncture; legs dark/black; apex of elytra with little pronounced, ± irregular microreticulation; intervals behind shoulder without or with only suggested microsculpture Quite similar in the above features to N. borealis but differs in microsculpture, genitalia, and having weaker bronzy tinge
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nebriinae
- Tribe
- Notiophilini
- Genus
- Notiophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
open places: fields, roadsides, sand/gravel pits, moraines, forest edges
Geographic Range
Holarctic, incl. northerly parts of North America (AB, AK, AZ, BC, CO,IL, LB, MA, MB, ME, MI, MT, NB, NF, NH, NM, NS, NY, ON, PA, PM, PQ, SK, VT, WI, YT) and Eurasia ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
spring breeder
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Notiophilus aquaticus (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Notiophilus aquaticus. 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 Notiophilus aquaticus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Notiophilus aquaticus
What is Notiophilus aquaticus?
Notiophilus aquaticus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Notiophilus aquaticus?
4.5-6.0 mm
How do you identify Notiophilus aquaticus?
Elytra with single preapical setigerous puncture; legs dark/black; apex of elytra with little pronounced, ± irregular microreticulation; intervals behind shoulder without or with only suggested microsculpture Quite similar in the above features to N. borealis but differs in microsculpture, genitalia, and having weaker bronzy tinge
Where is Notiophilus aquaticus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | open places: fields, roadsides, sand/gravel pits, moraines, forest edges |
| Range | Holarctic, incl. northerly parts of North America (AB, AK, AZ, BC, CO,IL, LB, MA, MB, ME, MI, MT, NB, NF, NH, NM, NS, NY, ON, PA, PM, PQ, SK, VT, WI, YT) and Eurasia ( 4 ) |
When is Notiophilus aquaticus active?
Notiophilus aquaticus: seasonal activity - spring breeder.