Calosoma moniliatum

LeConte, 1852

collared beautiful black searcher

Calosoma moniliatum, commonly known as the collared beautiful black searcher, is a large predatory ground beetle in the Carabidae. are brachypterous (short-winged and flightless). The occurs in western North America, inhabiting short grass prairies and dry forests.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Calosoma moniliatum: /kæloʊˈsoʊmə moʊˈnɪliˌɑtəm/

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Habitat

Short grass prairies and dry forests.

Distribution

United States (Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington) and Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan).

Behavior

are brachypterous (short-winged), indicating limited or no capability. The has been observed to run rapidly when disturbed.

Similar Taxa

Calosoma sayiSimilar large black Calosoma , but C. sayi occurs in eastern North America (Missouri, southeastern US) rather than the western range of C. moniliatum.
Calosoma scrutatorAnother large Calosoma with 'fiery searcher'; distinguished by metallic green-purple coloration and larger size (25+ mm), whereas C. moniliatum is described as 'beautiful black' suggesting less metallic coloration.
Calosoma wilcoxiSmaller Calosoma (about one-third the size of C. scrutator) with arboreal hunting ; C. moniliatum is distinguished by its larger size and western distribution.

More Details

Brachyptery

The short-winged condition in is a notable morphological feature that distinguishes this from fully winged relatives and indicates a flightless or limited- lifestyle, consistent with its prairie and dry forest .