Pennsylvania Dingy Ground Beetle
Harpalus pensylvanicus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Adephaga
- Family: Carabidae
- Subfamily: Harpalinae
- Supertribe: Harpalitae
- Tribe: Harpalini
- Subtribe: Harpalina
- Genus: Harpalus
- Species: pensylvanicus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Harpalus pensylvanicus: /ˈhɑːrpələs ˌpɛnsɪlˈvɑːnɪkəs/
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Summary
Harpalus pensylvanicus, commonly known as the Pennsylvania Ground Beetle, is shiny black with reddish brown underparts and is an important predator of weed seeds. It was described by Degeer in 1774 and prefers high hayfields for habitat.
Physical Characteristics
Adults are shiny black on the top and reddish brown underneath, with elytra that have lines. The larvae are black with a reddish head and have a tapered body with two long cerci.
Identification Tips
Note the single 'n' in 'pensylvanicus'. It is usually indistinguishable externally from H. texanus, which occurs in the southeastern United States.
Habitat
Favors high hayfields rather than low maize fields.
Distribution
Found throughout North America, specifically from California to Florida and north to Alaska.
Diet
Feeds on the seeds of ragweed and assorted grasses, preferring small seeds such as lamb's quarter and waterhemp.
Ecosystem Role
Important weed seed predators, contributing to natural pest control.
Economic Impact
May occasionally damage ripening strawberries, likely to obtain moisture.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- beetle
- ground beetle
- Harpalus pensylvanicus