Dicaelus purpuratus
Bonelli, 1813
Notch-mouthed Ground Beetle
Dicaelus purpuratus is a of in the , commonly known as the notch-mouthed ground beetle. It is distributed across North America, with records from both Canada and the United States. The species was described by Bonelli in 1813 and includes two recognized : D. p. purpuratus and D. p. splendidus. Members of the Dicaelus are characterized by their notched , giving rise to the .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dicaelus purpuratus: /dɪˈsiːləs pɜːrpjʊˈreɪtəs/
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Identification
Dicaelus purpuratus can be distinguished from similar by the notched or (upper lip), a diagnostic feature of the Dicaelus. The specific epithet "purpuratus" suggests purplish coloration, though detailed color descriptions are not well documented in available sources. The two D. p. purpuratus and D. p. splendidus differ in their distribution and potentially in coloration, with the nominate subspecies described by Bonelli (1813) and D. p. splendidus described by Say (1823).
Images
Distribution
North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. The nominate D. p. purpuratus and D. p. splendidus have overlapping but somewhat distinct ranges, with D. p. splendidus described from North material.
Similar Taxa
- Dicaelus dilatatusAnother North Dicaelus with similar body form and notched , requiring careful examination for separation
- Other Carabidae genera (e.g., Carabus, Calosoma) in other lack the diagnostic notched of Dicaelus; are typically longer than wide in generally, but the notched mouthpart is unique to Dicaelus