Calosoma frigidum

Kirby, 1837

Cold-country Caterpillar Hunter

Calosoma frigidum is a ground beetle in the Carabidae, commonly known as the cold-country caterpillar hunter. First described by William Kirby in 1837, this occurs throughout southern Canada and the northern United States. are that climb trees to hunt caterpillars, hiding under debris during daylight hours. The species shows sensitivity to soil temperature changes, with elevated temperatures causing adults to abandon their burrows.

Calosoma frigidum by (c) Bennett Grappone, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bennett Grappone. Used under a CC-BY license.Calosoma frigidum by (c) Doug Macaulay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Doug Macaulay. Used under a CC-BY license.Calosoma frigidum by iNaturalist Canada user: christine123. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Calosoma frigidum: /ˌkæ.loʊˈsoʊ.mə ˈfrɪdʒɪˌdəm/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

measure 16–27 mm in length with black bodies. The bear rows of pits or dots that are iridescent blue-green and notably larger than the pits found on many other Calosoma . This pit size distinction helps separate C. frigidum from .

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Habitat

Found in wooded areas, where hide under debris during the day. The occupies forest environments with sufficient cover for daytime shelter and trees supporting caterpillar prey.

Distribution

Southern Canada and the United States (North America).

Seasonality

Active at night; are known to leave burrows in response to increased soil temperature, such as that caused by forest fire.

Diet

Predatory; feeds on caterpillars. hunt in tree for caterpillar prey.

Behavior

; climb trees to hunt caterpillars and hide under debris during daylight. Adults abandon burrows when soil temperature increases.

Ecological Role

of caterpillars in forest .

Human Relevance

May serve as a agent for caterpillar pests in forest settings.

Similar Taxa

  • Calosoma scrutatorSimilar arboreal caterpillar-hunting and appearance, but C. scrutator is larger (25 mm or more), has more elongated and , and more intense purple coloration on the pronotum.
  • Calosoma wilcoxiSmaller cousin with similar habits; C. wilcoxi is about one-third the size of C. scrutator and differs in size and proportional features.

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Sources and further reading