Pterostichus nigrita
This record describes Pterostichus nigrita (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A medium-sized (9-12mm) black ground beetle. The typical form is uniformly black but there is a form with reddish femora (var. rufifemoratus ). P. nigrita cannot be separated from P. rhaeticus without examining the genitalia. P. nigrita has a rounded tip to the male right paramere and this is more pointed in P. rhaeticus . Identification by gen det is necessary so your evidence should describe this. Damp areas, marshes and water margins, but also in hedgerows on heavy soils.
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
Damp areas, marshes and water margins, but also in hedgerows on heavy soils.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pterostichus nigrita. 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 nigrita (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pterostichus nigrita
What is Pterostichus nigrita?
Pterostichus nigrita is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Pterostichus nigrita found?
Habitat: Damp areas, marshes and water margins, but also in hedgerows on heavy soils.
When is Pterostichus nigrita active?
Pterostichus nigrita: seasonal activity - All year round..