Pterostichus caudicalis
This record describes Pterostichus caudicalis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Helpful traits are the non-iridescent elytra and a strong constriction at base of pronotum ending in sharp rectangular angles.
Wikipedia reference for Pterostichus caudicalis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterostichus caudicalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Pterostichini
- Genus
- Pterostichus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
n. NA (NF-BC to VA-CO)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pterostichus caudicalis. 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 Pterostichus caudicalis (5)
Photo credits: (c) Tom Murray, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Tom Murray | (c) Owen Ridgen, all rights reserved, uploaded by Owen Ridgen | (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland | Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pterostichus caudicalis
What is Pterostichus caudicalis?
Pterostichus caudicalis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Pterostichus caudicalis?
Helpful traits are the non-iridescent elytra and a strong constriction at base of pronotum ending in sharp rectangular angles.
Where is Pterostichus caudicalis found?
Range: n. NA (NF-BC to VA-CO)