ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles2 data sources

Notiophilus palustris

This record describes Notiophilus palustris (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Notiophilus palustris - Notiophilus palustris

Length 5 to 6 mm. Very shiny black, lacking a paler patch at the tips of the elytra and with brown hind tibiae. Eyes very large, head wider than pronotum. Elytral interval 2 is no wider than 3, 4 and 5 combined. There are two pores at each of the elytral apices. Although Notiophilus species in general prefer open, dry habitats, N. palustris has also been found in more shaded and moist situations. May be encountered in most months of the year. Notiophilus generally feed on springtails. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.

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

Although

Seasonal Activity

May be encountered in most months of the year.

Diet and Behavior

Life History

Notiophilus

Additional species information

Recorded status

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Notiophilus palustris. 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 Notiophilus palustris (4)

Notiophilus palustris - photo 1
Notiophilus palustris - photo 2
Notiophilus palustris - photo 3
Notiophilus palustris - photo 4

Frequently Asked Questions About Notiophilus palustris

What is Notiophilus palustris?

Notiophilus palustris is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Notiophilus palustris?

5 to 6 mm. Very shiny black, lacking a paler patch at the tips of the elytra and with brown hind tibiae. Eyes very large, head wider than pronotum. Elytral interval 2 is no wider than 3, 4 and 5 combined. There are two pores at each of the elytral apices.

Where is Notiophilus palustris found?

Habitat: Although

When is Notiophilus palustris active?

Notiophilus palustris: seasonal activity - May be encountered in most months of the year..

What is the life cycle of a Notiophilus palustris?

Notiophilus