ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles

Platynus tenuicollis

This record describes Platynus tenuicollis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Platynus tenuicollis - Platynus tenuicollis
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov

one of the few Platynus spp. that come to lights ( 3 )

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Adephaga
Family
Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
Subfamily
Harpalinae
Tribe
Platynini
Genus
Platynus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

along water in deep shaded ravines ; adults under rocks and among gravel along banks of creeks/rivers in shady areas at middle altitudes (500-1500m)

Geographic Range

e. NA (NB-QC to FL-LA)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Platynus tenuicollis (LeConte 1846)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platynus tenuicollis. 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 Platynus tenuicollis (5)

Platynus tenuicollis - photo 1
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Platynus tenuicollis - photo 2
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Platynus tenuicollis - photo 3
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Platynus tenuicollis - photo 4
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Platynus tenuicollis - photo 5
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Platynus tenuicollis

What is Platynus tenuicollis?

Platynus tenuicollis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Platynus tenuicollis?

9-13 mm

Where is Platynus tenuicollis found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatalong water in deep shaded ravines ; adults under rocks and among gravel along banks of creeks/rivers in shady areas at middle altitudes (500-1500m)
Rangee. NA (NB-QC to FL-LA)

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.