Clivina fossor

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Digger Slope-rumped Beetle

Species Guides

1

Clivina fossor is a ground beetle in the Scaritinae, described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is the largest in its subfamily, characterized by (digging) adaptations including broad tarsal segments on the forelegs. The species exhibits a widespread Palaearctic distribution with introduced in North America, and shows flexible use across grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, and agricultural areas. are and subterranean by day, while larvae live entirely underground.

Clivina fossor bl by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.Clivina fossor detail3 by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.Clivina fossor side by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Clivina fossor: /ˈklɪvɪnə ˈfɒsɔːr/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Clivina by large body size (largest in ). Broad foreleg tarsal segments indicate habit. Continuous setiferous punctures on separate it from similar ground beetles. in terminal sternite setae pattern useful for distinguishing sexes.

Images

Habitat

Damp areas of grassland, wetland, arable land, woodland, and peat bogs. remain subterranean during daylight hours. Larvae are entirely endogeic (living within soil).

Distribution

Native: Widespread across Palaearctic region including Great Britain, Ireland, most small islands, and Shetland. Introduced: North America (Canada, USA). Specific collection records from Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire and Bookham Common, Leatherhead, UK.

Seasonality

active year-round. New appear in late summer.

Life Cycle

active year-round with new appearing in late summer. Larvae develop entirely underground (endogeic).

Behavior

surface activity with subterranean . dig using broad foreleg tarsal segments. Rapid local range expansion facilitated by -capable adults. Eurytopic preference allows of diverse moist environments.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Clivina speciesSmaller body size; C. fossor is distinctly the largest in Scaritinae
  • Other Scaritinae generaLack combination of continuous elytral punctures, elongate with large lateral , and broad foreleg

More Details

Genome

assembly of 612.60 Mb spanning 22 chromosomal pseudomolecules (21 + X ). Source: Wellcome Open Research genome sequencing project.

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Sources and further reading