Pterostichus mutus
This record describes Pterostichus mutus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Three tiny punctures along elytron interval #3, a smooth convexity (not sharp ridge) between pronotal basal depression and sharp (not rounded) hind angles.
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
Eastern & central North America, with a disjunct population in British Columbia. CAN: BC (VCI), MB, NB, NF, NS (CBI), ON, PE, QC USA: CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV [ID needs confirmation]
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pterostichus mutus. 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 mutus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Pterostichus mutus
What is Pterostichus mutus?
Pterostichus mutus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Pterostichus mutus?
Three tiny punctures along elytron interval #3, a smooth convexity (not sharp ridge) between pronotal basal depression and sharp (not rounded) hind angles.
Where is Pterostichus mutus found?
Range: Eastern & central North America, with a disjunct population in British Columbia. CAN: BC (VCI), MB, NB, NF, NS (CBI), ON, PE, QC USA: CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV [ID needs confirmation]