Arboreal-predator
Guides
Calosoma affine
related beautiful black searcher
Calosoma affine is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by Maximilien Chaudoir in 1843. It is one of the so-called "caterpillar hunters," large predatory beetles known for ascending trees to feed on caterpillars. The species occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, where adults are active both day and night and exhibit gregarious behavior.
Calosoma aurocinctum
gold-ringed caterpillar hunter, Texas Green Calosoma
Calosoma aurocinctum is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the gold-ringed caterpillar hunter or Texas Green Calosoma. It was described by Maximilien Chaudoir in 1850. The species occurs from Texas south through Mexico to Central America, inhabiting lowland to mid-elevation areas. As a member of the caterpillar hunter genus Calosoma, it likely exhibits arboreal foraging behavior to prey on caterpillars, though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited.
Calosoma frigidum
Cold-country Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma frigidum is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the cold-country caterpillar hunter. First described by William Kirby in 1837, this species occurs throughout southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults are nocturnal predators that climb trees to hunt caterpillars, hiding under debris during daylight hours. The species shows sensitivity to soil temperature changes, with elevated temperatures causing adults to abandon their burrows.
Calosoma obsoletum
old beautiful black searcher
Calosoma obsoletum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to the 'caterpillar hunter' genus Calosoma, known for arboreal hunting behavior. The species occurs across the Great Plains and western North America, where both adults and larvae prey on lepidopteran caterpillars.
Calosoma prominens
projecting caterpillar hunter
Calosoma prominens is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the caterpillar hunter genus Calosoma, known for arboreal foraging behavior targeting caterpillar prey. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it inhabits arid scrublands dominated by acacia and cactus vegetation. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a voracious predator of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.
Calosoma scrutator
Fiery Searcher, Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma scrutator is a large, predatory ground beetle native to North America, commonly known as the Fiery Searcher or Caterpillar Hunter. Adults reach 25–35 mm in length and display striking metallic coloration. The species is primarily nocturnal and climbs vegetation to hunt caterpillars, earning its common name. When disturbed, it excretes a foul-smelling defensive oil from pygidial glands. It serves as an important biological control agent for defoliating insect pests.
Calosoma simplex
simple beautiful black searcher
Calosoma simplex is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. It belongs to the genus Calosoma, whose members are known for arboreal hunting behaviors and caterpillar predation. The species occurs in southwestern North America, including parts of the United States and Mexico. Like other Calosoma species, it likely functions as a predator of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.
Calosoma sycophanta
forest caterpillar hunter, Agreeable Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma sycophanta is a large, metallic ground beetle renowned for its specialized predation on caterpillars. Adults reach 21–35 mm in length and display striking iridescent green elytra with a bluish scutellum, though coloration shifts with light angle to show blue, bronze, copper, gold, or black tones. Both adults and larvae are arboreal hunters, ascending trees to prey on caterpillars including Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth), Thaumetopoea processionea (oak processionary), and Thaumetopoea pityocampa. The species is diurnal and visually orients toward dark objects and tree bases in forests. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America for biological control and is now established in the northeastern United States.
Harmonia
Greater Lady Beetles
Harmonia is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) commonly known as Greater Lady Beetles. The genus includes the widely introduced Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis), which has become established across North America and other regions as a biological control agent for aphids and other soft-bodied pests. Members of this genus are predatory beetles with highly variable coloration and spot patterns. The genus is native to Asia, with some species now distributed globally due to intentional introductions for pest management.