Agonum belleri

Distinguished from other Agonum species by combination of metallic coloration, flightless condition with grooved elytra, and restriction to sphagnum bog habitats. The dorsal bristles, visible only under magnification or proper lighting, may aid identification. Similar Platyninae species in the region lack this specific habitat association and color pattern.

Metallic-black body with copper tone, often reflecting blue or green. Winged but flightless. Elytra have vertical grooved striae. Dorsal surface covered with bristles visible under proper lighting or magnification.

Sphagnum bogs at low to medium elevations; rarely other wetlands and moist woods. In Washington, primarily in Puget Trough sphagnum moss. Associated vegetation includes common cotton sedge, sundew, bog cranberry, Labrador tea, bog rosemary, bigleaf maple, firs, western redcedar, and red alder. Soil composition is critical for breeding and development.

Pacific Northwest of North America: Oregon (northwest), Washington, and British Columbia (southwest and Queen Charlotte Islands). Recorded from Mt. Hood National Forest; purportedly present in Baker National Forest, Olympic National Forest, and around Mt. St. Helens.

Activity increases during warmer periods and summer months, when highest numbers are observed.

Predatory; feeds on other insects. Adults hunt by sight during the day using fast running and powerful mandibles. Adults consume more plant material than larvae.

Complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, adult. Females lay eggs singly in shallow soil burrows. Larvae and pupae develop underground. Multi-year lifespan; larvae may take several years to fully develop.

Diurnal predator that hunts by sight. Fast runner with powerful mandibles for subduing prey. Activity increases with warmer temperatures.

Predator in sphagnum bog ecosystems. Contributes to invertebrate population regulation in wetland habitats.

Conservation concern due to restricted habitat. Listed as endangered by Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and species of greatest conservation need by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Threatened by habitat loss, peat mining, and pesticide use. Named after Samuel Beller, entomologist and pupil of Melville H. Hatch.

• Other Agonum speciesLack specific metallic coloration with copper/blue/green reflections, flightless condition with grooved elytra, and strict sphagnum bog habitat association
• Other Platyninae ground beetlesDiffer in habitat preference; A. belleri is restricted to Pacific Northwest sphagnum bogs

• endangered
• flightless
• wetland specialist
• sphagnum bog
• Pacific Northwest endemic
• conservation concern

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Don't get bogged down with peat... - Buglife Blog - Buglife
• Clues in the Clay: Decoy Insect Larvae Reveal Predator Presence in Turfgrass
• beetle and caterpillar clay models - Entomology Today