Philophuga viridis
This record describes Philophuga viridis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum and head concolorous, black with a metallic blue or green sheen; hind angle of pronotum with or without a setiferous puncture This is the most varied species of Philophuga , containing four well defined subspecies.
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
w NA (BC‒CA to MB‒KS-NM) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Philophuga viridis (Dejean 1831)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Philophuga viridis. 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 viridis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Peter W. Messer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Philophuga viridis
What is Philophuga viridis?
Philophuga viridis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Philophuga viridis?
Pronotum and head concolorous, black with a metallic blue or green sheen; hind angle of pronotum with or without a setiferous puncture This is the most varied species of Philophuga , containing four well defined subspecies.
Where is Philophuga viridis found?
Range: w NA (BC‒CA to MB‒KS-NM) - Map