Philophuga caerulea
Casey, 1913
Philophuga caerulea is a of ground beetle in the Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1913. It occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Mexico and the United States. As a member of the Lebiinae, it belongs to a diverse group of often small, active predatory beetles. Specific ecological details and morphological traits for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Philophuga caerulea: /fɪloʊˈfjuːɡə saɪˈruːliə/
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Identification
As a member of the Philophuga, this can be distinguished from other ground beetle genera by characteristics typical of the Lebiinae , which often includes small to medium-sized beetles with relatively slender body forms and frequently metallic coloration. The specific epithet "caerulea" (Latin for blue or azure) may indicate blue coloration, though this cannot be confirmed without direct examination of specimens. Definitive identification requires comparison with or specialized taxonomic keys for New World Lebiinae.
Distribution
Recorded from Mexico and the United States. Present in Middle America and North America according to distribution records.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- A Summit to Save the Butterflies | Bug Squad
- Bees vs wasps: what's the difference? - Buglife Blog - Buglife
- Tingidae | Beetles In The Bush
- Beauties in the Bog - Buglife Blog - Buglife
- Provisional checklist of European butterfly larval foodplants