Harpalus (Pseudoophonus) pensylvanicus (De Geer) 1774
According to Lindroth (1968) found in open dry country with grassy and weedy vegetation, often quite high, especially cultivated land, gravel pits, and road sides. These beetles feed on seeds, roots, etc. of grasses and Ambrosia, etc. (Lindroth, 1968). They are fully winged and fly; they are attracted to lights. They were also observed running and mating during the day (Larochelle, 1975a). According to HSB card file, many examples were collected on the Island and adjacent Virginia shore between 1902 and 1907 (HSB). I [Erwin] saw only one specimen in USNM that was collected on the Island in 1932 (HSB) at light. There are no recent records. No teneral specimens seen. The adults were collected in June, July, August, and September. Hibernation takes place in the larval stage (Lindroth, 1968), and adult stage as Larochelle (1974b) found a specimen on a "mound" in November in Quebec. Total length, 10.1 to 15.2 mm (12.7).
Synonyms: Harpalus pennsylvanicus, Say, 1823; Harpalus longior, Kirby, 1837; Harpalus mormonicus, Casey, 1914; Harpalus immixtus, Casey, 1924