Sphaeroderus canadensis
This record describes Sphaeroderus canadensis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Carabinae
- Tribe
- Cychrini
- Genus
- Sphaeroderus (Small Snail Eating Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
deciduous & mixed forests, mainly under logs and in leaf litter
Geographic Range
nominate ssp.: NS-so.ON to the Black Mts. in NC; S. c. lengi : mountains south of the French Broad River from sw.NC and adjacent TN to ne.GA & nw.SC
Seasonal Activity
spring breeder
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphaeroderus canadensis Chaudoir 1861
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphaeroderus canadensis. 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 Sphaeroderus canadensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphaeroderus canadensis
How big is Sphaeroderus canadensis?
S. c. canadensis 10-13 mm
Where is Sphaeroderus canadensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | deciduous & mixed forests, mainly under logs and in leaf litter |
| Range | nominate ssp.: NS-so.ON to the Black Mts. in NC; S. c. lengi : mountains south of the French Broad River from sw.NC and adjacent TN to ne.GA & nw.SC |
When is Sphaeroderus canadensis active?
Sphaeroderus canadensis: seasonal activity - spring breeder.