Description: A 8.2-11mm long black, phytophagous ground beetle found in all kinds of open to lightly shaded ground. The only Harpalus commonly found in peatlands and exposed upland habitats in Ireland.

NI account: The most widespread Harpalus, particularly in the north. Generally distributed and common.

Ecology: Unlike many of its relatives this species is not markedly xerophilous, and has been recorded from a wide range of habitats including grassland, gardens, light woodland, dryish upland heaths and summit moraine of mountains. It appears to be particularly widespread on upland peat.

Distribution: A Eurosiberian Boreo-temperate species (54) found across Europe, south to the Caucasus, and east to western Siberia.

Similar Species: Harpalus quadripunctatus: 3rd elytral intervals with 2-3 punctures medially H. anxius/tardus: base of pronotum smooth or only sparingly punctured

Key Identification Features:

• Characteristically stocky, broad, legs short
• Head with one supra orbital puncture
• Hind angles of pronotum without setae
• Upper surface black
• Apex of 7th elytral interval with a single puncture
• Base of pronotum with extensive wrinkled punturation
• 3rd elytral interval with one puncture medially

Distribution Map from NBN: Harpalus latus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Harpalus latus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Harpalus latus | Classification: Insecta, Coleoptera, Carabidae, Harpalus

Thumbnails for genus Harpalus