Acupalpus meridianus
(Linnaeus, 1760)
Midday Harp Ground Beetle
Acupalpus meridianus is a ground beetle in the Carabidae, originally described by Linnaeus in 1760. In western Canada, it has been recorded as the most abundant carabid in sampled urban garden . The was historically restricted to southern Vancouver Island until 1988, but has since expanded its range eastward to Edmonton, Alberta. Its association with other introduced European carabid species in urban environments suggests possible European origin, though this remains unconfirmed.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acupalpus meridianus: /ˌækjʊˈpælpəs ˌmɛrɪˈdeɪniəs/
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Habitat
Urban gardens; open, disturbed ground. Documented from a small urban garden in Edmonton, Alberta, where it was the most common carabid present.
Distribution
Western Canada (southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta); USA; Europe including (former) Yugoslavia, Albania, and Armenia. Range expanded eastward in Canada between 1988 and 1990.
Diet
Insect-eating (predatory). Specific prey items have not been documented.
More Details
Range Expansion
First recorded on southern Vancouver Island only; by May 1990 had been documented in Edmonton, Alberta, representing a significant eastward range extension. Found in association with several introduced European carabid (Carabus nemoralis, Clivina fossor, Amara familiaris, A. apricaria, Pterostichus melanarius), though its own introduction status in North America remains unconfirmed.