Calosoma lepidum
LeConte, 1844
neat beautiful black searcher
Calosoma lepidum is a in the Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1844. are sub-, indicating reduced capability. The inhabits open prairie with short grass in the northern Great Plains and adjacent montane regions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Calosoma lepidum: //kæloʊˈsoʊmə ˈlɛpɪdəm//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
can be distinguished from fully winged Calosoma by their sub- condition. Differentiation from other sub-brachypterous such as C. wilcoxi requires examination of size, proportions, and pronotal coloration. Specific diagnostic characters for C. lepidum are not detailed in available literature.
Appearance
are sub-, with reduced that limit capability. As a member of the Calosoma, it likely exhibits the characteristic body form and prominent typical of hunters, though specific morphological details distinguishing it from are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Open prairies with short grass vegetation.
Distribution
Canada: Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan. United States: Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, Wyoming.
Similar Taxa
- Calosoma wilcoxiSimilar size range and sub- condition; distinguished by subtle differences in shape and pronotal coloration intensity
- Calosoma scrutatorLarger with more elongated and ; intense purple central pronotal coloration; more fully winged
More Details
Nomenclature note
GBIF records the authority as LeConte, 1845, while Wikipedia and other sources cite 1844. The epithet 'lepidum' means 'neat' or 'beautiful' in Latin, reflected in the .
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Ground beetles up in the air: Calosoma wilcoxi and Calosoma scrutator — Bug of the Week
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