Loricera decempunctata

Distinguished from other Loricera species by geographic range and presumably by elytral maculation pattern (ten spots referenced in common name). The only other North American Loricera species, L. pilicornis, occurs in eastern North America and Europe. L. decempunctata is restricted to western North America. Accurate identification to species level requires examination of male genitalia or detailed comparison of external morphology with verified specimens.

Medium-sized ground beetle. The specific meaning of '10-spotted' in the common name is unclear from available sources; it may refer to elytral maculations, pronotal markings, or other pattern elements. Members of genus Loricera typically possess a characteristic pronotal structure with lateral margins bearing prominent setae and a somewhat flattened body form adapted for moving through dense vegetation or debris.

Margins of freshwater bodies: ponds, lakes, marshes, slow rivers, and brooks. Occupies the vegetated or debris-rich transition zone between aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

North America: Alaska, British Columbia, Quebec, Washington, Oregon, California. Distribution spans boreal, montane, and coastal temperate zones in western North America, with disjunct records in eastern Canada (Quebec).

• Loricera pilicornisOnly other Loricera species in North America; occurs in eastern North America and Europe, not sympatric with L. decempunctata in most of its range. Separated by geography and subtle morphological differences.
• Other CarabidaeMany ground beetles occupy riparian habitats; Loricera species distinguished by pronotal structure with prominent lateral setae and flattened body form.

• Carabidae
• ground beetle
• riparian
• North America
• freshwater margin

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy