ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles

Selenophorus neoruficollis

This record describes Selenophorus neoruficollis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Selenophorus neoruficollis - Selenophorus neoruficollis
Contributed by Peter W. Messer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
FeatureDescription
HeadHead and pronotum orange, contrasting with black, strongly iridescent elytra.
PronotumPronotum with sides convergent to distinct obtuse hind angles. PARATYPE Type Locality: TX: Brazos Co./ 5 km SW Wellborn/ 30.5022N 96.3360W/ 1-7.vi.2018/ @ lights V. Belov

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Adephaga
Family
Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
Subfamily
Harpalinae
Tribe
Harpalini
Genus
Selenophorus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

TX (Bastrop & Brazos Co.), LA (Natchitoches Pa.)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Selenophorus neoruficollis Messer & Raber 2021

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Selenophorus neoruficollis. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Selenophorus neoruficollis (2)

Selenophorus neoruficollis - photo 1
Contributed by Peter W. Messer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Selenophorus neoruficollis - photo 2
Contributed by Peter W. Messer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Peter W. Messer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Selenophorus neoruficollis

What is Selenophorus neoruficollis?

Selenophorus neoruficollis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Selenophorus neoruficollis?

ABL 4.5–5.2 mm

How do you identify Selenophorus neoruficollis?
FeatureDescription
HeadHead and pronotum orange, contrasting with black, strongly iridescent elytra.
PronotumPronotum with sides convergent to distinct obtuse hind angles. PARATYPE
Where is Selenophorus neoruficollis found?

Range: TX (Bastrop & Brazos Co.), LA (Natchitoches Pa.)

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Peter W. Messer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.