Badister micans
LeConte, 1844
Trembling Harp Ground Beetle
Badister micans is a of ground beetle in the Carabidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1844. It is commonly known as the Trembling Harp Ground Beetle. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the Badister, it is a small predatory associated with wetland and riparian .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Badister micans: //ˈbædɪstər ˈmaɪkænz//
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Identification
Badister micans can be distinguished from other Badister by its small size and characteristic metallic luster suggested by the species epithet 'micans' (shining or glistening). Members of the Badister are recognized by their compact, oval body shape, short that may expose part of the , and relatively short . Separation from congeneric species requires examination of male genitalia and detailed comparison of pronotal and elytral patterns.
Habitat
Wetland and riparian environments including margins of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams; also found in moist grasslands and marshy areas.
Distribution
North America: confirmed present in Canada and the United States.
Similar Taxa
- Badister reflexusSimilar small ground beetle in the same , distinguished by differences in pronotal shape and elytral striation patterns; requires close examination for reliable separation.
- Badister notatusCongeneric with overlapping North American distribution; morphological differences in body proportions and surface aid identification.