Philophuga caerulea
This record describes Philophuga caerulea (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Head and pronotum with metallic blue or blue-green lustre, similar in color to elytra and not contrasting; elytral striae deeply impressed; intervals convex, finely to moderately coarsely punctate Lectotype
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Lebiini
- Genus
- Philophuga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ / Mex. , GBIF incorrectly suggests a wider western US distribution
Seasonal Activity
July-Sept (BG Data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Philophuga caerulea Casey 1913
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Philophuga caerulea. 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 Philophuga caerulea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Philophuga caerulea
What is Philophuga caerulea?
Philophuga caerulea is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Philophuga caerulea?
7.5-9.0 mm
How do you identify Philophuga caerulea?
Head and pronotum with metallic blue or blue-green lustre, similar in color to elytra and not contrasting; elytral striae deeply impressed; intervals convex, finely to moderately coarsely punctate Lectotype
Where is Philophuga caerulea found?
Range: AZ / Mex. , GBIF incorrectly suggests a wider western US distribution
When is Philophuga caerulea active?
Philophuga caerulea: seasonal activity - July-Sept (BG Data).