Pterostichus minor
This record describes Pterostichus minor (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
7-8mm, generally black but with brown legs. Antennae black except for the first three segments which are pale brown. The pronotum edge is sinuate and there are two pairs of basal foveae on the pronotum - the outer one having a keeled outer edge. See ID aids below. Other small Pterostichus species such as P. strenuus and P. diligens but these lack the double foveae. Quality photos clearly showing the pronotal foveae and/or comments describing how it was identified. Generally April to August but over-wintering adults may be found. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Carabidae
- Genus
- Pterostichus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
Generally April to August but over-wintering adults may be found.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Relatively common and widespread.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pterostichus minor. 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.