Big-headed Ground Beetle

Scarites subterraneus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Adephaga
Family: Carabidae
Subfamily: Scaritinae
Tribe: Scaritini
Genus: Scarites
Species: subterraneus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scarites subterraneus: //skəˈraɪtiːz ˌsʌbtəˈreɪniəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Scarites subterraneus 401384284 by Matthew Lindsey. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Scarites subterraneus 401384287 by Matthew Lindsey. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Scarites subterraneus 401384260 by Matthew Lindsey. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Kaldari Scarites subterraneus 01 by Kaldari. Used under a CC0 license.

Big-headed Ground Beetle with mealworm by Snake enthusiast. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Scarites subterraneus, or the big-headed ground beetle, is a species of ground beetle found commonly across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Notable for its distinctive mandibles and burrowing habits, this beetle plays an important role in its ecosystem as a predator of invertebrates.

Physical Characteristics

Body length generally between 15.0 and 30.0 mm. Distinctive body form with large mandibles featuring two teeth for hunting. Antennomeres 8-10 are moniliform (as broad as long). Elytra are deeply striated and forebody is loosely attached to the body.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from similar species S. quadriceps by the shape of its antennal segments, with antennomeres 8-10 being as broad as long. A key to Scarites species can also be referred for further identification.

Habitat

Found in a variety of habitats including forests and meadows. Often burrows under logs, rocks, soil, and leaf litter. Commonly encountered in residential areas, both urban and rural.

Distribution

Widespread throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Reported distributions include KS, NM, OK, TX, FL, CA, NY, and SD, with uncertain reports for WI.

Diet

Carnivorous, primarily feeding on invertebrates in various life stages. In captivity, they have been observed to eat mealworms.

Predators

Predators include American Robins, Eastern Bluebirds, Hermit Thrush, and Northern Cardinals.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator of other invertebrates, S. subterraneus plays a significant role in controlling pest populations.