Pterostichus niger
This record describes Pterostichus niger (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This large (15-21mm) ground beetle is all black apart from red claws and spines on its legs. The pronotum is rather long and fairly narrow by comparison with Pterostichus melanarius and also has sinuate sides. Pterostichus melanarius is a similar size and colour but has a rounded pronotum, not sinuate, but with a small tooth at each rear corner. Pterostichus madidas also has a rounded pronotum but doesn't have the rear teeth. Most likely to be seen between spring and autumn It Breeds in the autumn and overwinters as an adult. Groups can be found sheltering together under bark and logs.
Wikipedia reference for Pterostichus niger: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterostichus_niger.
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
Habitat
Found in woodland and damp grassland.
Seasonal Activity
Most likely to be seen between spring and autumn
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It Breeds in the autumn and overwinters as an adult. Groups can be found sheltering together under bark and logs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout Britain
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pterostichus niger. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pterostichus niger
What is Pterostichus niger?
Pterostichus niger is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pterostichus niger?
and colour but has a rounded pronotum, not sinuate, but with a small tooth at each rear corner.
Where is Pterostichus niger found?
Habitat: Found in woodland and damp grassland.
When is Pterostichus niger active?
Pterostichus niger: seasonal activity - Most likely to be seen between spring and autumn.
What is the life cycle of a Pterostichus niger?
It Breeds in the autumn and overwinters as an adult. Groups can be found sheltering together under bark and logs.