Olisthopus parmatus
This record describes Olisthopus parmatus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Platynini
- Genus
- Olisthopus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lowlands and mountains. Deciduous & mixed forests (often along brooks), forest clearings, roads, edges; hedges; swampforests. Shaded ground; moderately moist, often sandy or gravelly soil covered with thick leaf litter. Frequent in seashore drift material. ( 3 )
Geographic Range
e. NA to TX - Map
Seasonal Activity
Jan-Dec; adults overwinter ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Olisthopus parmatus. 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 Olisthopus parmatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
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