Beetle
- Tiger beetles are some of the most charismatic insects on Earth: metallic, sharp-eyed, absurdly fast, and every bit as predatory as their name suggests. Come learn how they hunt, why their larvae live like tiny trapdoor monsters in the soil, and what their decline says about the fragile open habitats many other species need too.
Guides
Aphonus variolosus
Aphonus variolosus is a small rhinoceros beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae, described by John LeConte in 1847. It belongs to the tribe Pentodontini, a group characterized by reduced or absent horns in both sexes. The species is recorded from the southeastern United States.
Apion
Apion is a genus of small weevils in the family Brentidae, historically classified in Apionidae. The genus was established by Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Herbst in 1797. Species in this genus are associated with various host plants, with some exhibiting narrow host specificity. The genus has been involved in notable nomenclatural complications, particularly regarding the name Eurhinus which was originally applied to a different apionine genus by Kirby in 1819 before being transferred to the baridine genus Eurhin.
Apsida
Apsida is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Lacordaire in 1859. The genus is distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from Colombia. As a member of the diverse Tenebrionidae family, these beetles are likely adapted to arid or semi-arid environments typical of many tenebrionid lineages.
Aptopus peregrinus
Aptopus peregrinus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The genus Aptopus is part of the diverse click beetle lineage, characterized by the ability to right themselves when overturned through a distinctive clicking mechanism involving a prosternal spine and mesosternal groove. This species has been documented from limited observations, with records indicating a distribution in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Aritaerius
Aritaerius is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) containing a single described species, A. pallidus. The genus was established in 2004 by Kovarik & Tishechkin and is classified within the subfamily Haeteriinae, a group known for associations with social insects. As a member of the Histeridae, it shares the family's characteristic compact body form and clubbed antennae.
Asydates vandykei
Asydates vandykei is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Asydates is classified within the diverse beetle family Melyridae, which is characterized by soft elytra and often metallic coloration. No specific ecological or behavioral details have been documented for this particular species.
Ataenius cognatus
slender dung beetle
Ataenius cognatus, commonly known as the slender dung beetle, is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. First described by LeConte in 1858, this small scarab beetle has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Central America, and Oceania. It belongs to the tribe Eupariini within the subfamily Aphodiinae, a group often associated with dung and decaying organic matter.
Athous sierrae varius
Athous sierrae varius is a subspecies of click beetle described by Lane in 1971. It belongs to the family Elateridae, a large group of beetles characterized by their ability to spring into the air using a specialized prosternal process. As a member of the genus Athous, this taxon is part of a diverse Palearctic and Nearctic group of click beetles. The subspecies epithet "varius" suggests some degree of morphological variation from the nominate subspecies, though specific distinguishing features have not been documented in the available sources.
Aulonothroscus punctatus
Aulonothroscus punctatus is a species of small false click beetle in the family Throscidae. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Ontario and Québec in Canada. Very little detailed biological information has been published for this species.
Axinopalpus vittatus
Axinopalpus vittatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Hatch in 1949. The genus Axinopalpus belongs to the subtribe Dromiusina within the tribe Lebiini. The species is recorded from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Axinotarsus
Axinotarsus is a genus of soft-bodied beetles in the family Melyridae, subfamily Malachiinae. The genus was established by Motschulsky in 1854 and contains approximately 14 described species distributed primarily in Europe. Members of this genus are small, typically elongate beetles with the characteristic flexible elytra typical of malachiine beetles.
Bacanius hatchi
Bacanius hatchi is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Wenzel in 1960. It is known from the Pacific Northwest region of North America, with records from Oregon and Washington. As a member of the Histeridae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter and various microhabitats.
Baris heterodoxa
flower weevil
Baris heterodoxa is a species of flower weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by H.C. Fall in 1902. The species is found in North America and belongs to the genus Baris, a group of weevils commonly associated with flowers. Very little is known about its specific biology, host associations, or ecological role.
Bassareus brunnipes
Bassareus brunnipes is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, whose larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and exuviae.
Bembidion commotum
Bembidion commotum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1918. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Bembidion, it belongs to a large and diverse group of small carabid beetles commonly found in moist habitats. The species is represented by relatively few observations in modern databases, suggesting it may be infrequently encountered or understudied.
Bembidion palosverdes
Palos Verdes Minute Intertidal Beetle
Bembidion palosverdes is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Kavanaugh & Erwin in 1992. It is endemic to the Palos Verdes area of California, USA. The species is known as the Palos Verdes Minute Intertidal Beetle, reflecting its apparent association with intertidal or coastal habitats. Like other members of the genus Bembidion, it is presumed to be a small predatory beetle, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Blatchleya gracilis
Blatchleya gracilis is a beetle species in the family Omethidae, first described by Blatchley in 1910. The genus Blatchleya is a small group within this family of soft-bodied beetles. Records indicate presence in North America. Very little published information exists regarding the biology or ecology of this species.
Bolbocerastes imperialis kansanus
Bolbocerastes imperialis kansanus is a subspecies of earth-boring dung beetle in the family Geotrupidae. Described by Cartwright in 1953, this subspecies is part of a group of beetles specialized for burrowing into soil. The genus Bolbocerastes contains species found in North America. As a member of the Bolboceratinae, this beetle likely exhibits the subfamily's characteristic adaptations for digging and subterranean life, though specific details for this subspecies remain poorly documented.
Bolbocerastes regalis
Regal Earth-boring Beetle
Bolbocerastes regalis is a species of earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae. It is found in North America, specifically in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species was described by Cartwright in 1953.
Bolbocerosoma confusum
Bolbocerosoma confusum is an earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae, described by Brown in 1928. It is native to North America, with documented records from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. As a member of the bolboceratine geotrupids, it exhibits the family's characteristic fossorial adaptations for burrowing in soil.
Brachyleptura brevis
Short Long-horned Beetle
Brachyleptura brevis is a flower longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae of the family Cerambycidae. The species is characterized by abbreviated elytra relative to other members of the genus, a trait referenced in its specific epithet "brevis" (short). It belongs to a group of diurnal cerambycids that visit flowers as adults. The species has been documented in North America, with records from Canada and the United States including Vermont.
Byrrhus eximius
Superb Pill Beetle
Byrrhus eximius is a species of pill beetle in the family Byrrhidae. It is found in North America, with records from western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. The common name "Superb Pill Beetle" has been assigned to this species. Like other members of the genus Byrrhus, it is a small beetle capable of conglobation (rolling into a ball).
Caccoplectus
Caccoplectus is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus was established by Sharp in 1887 and contains approximately nine described species. These beetles are associated with ant colonies, a common ecological strategy among pselaphine beetles. Most species have been described from the Neotropical region, particularly Central America.
myrmecophileant-associatedpselaphinerove-beetleNeotropicalStaphylinidaePselaphinaeArhytodinitropicalant-colony-inhabitantinquilinemicrohabitat-specialistleaf-littersoil-dwellingcrypticrarely-collectedsmall-beetlemorphologically-specialized1887-descriptionSharpCentral-AmericaPanamaColeopteraPolyphagaStaphyliniformiaStaphylinoideaPselaphitaegenus-levelnine-speciesconicusdegallierilucidusnuttingipectinatusschwarzisentisspinipessucineasspine-legged-pselaphidChandlerWoldaSchaeffer190619761986type-species-unknownrarely-observediNaturalist:-2-observationsCatalogue-of-Life-acceptedGBIF-acceptedNCBI-acceptedEukaryotaMetazoaHexapodaInsectaArthropodaAnimaliabeetleinsectarthropodanimalCaecossonus
Caecossonus is a genus of true weevils (family Curculionidae) established in 1955 by E.E. Gilbert. The genus contains three described species: C. continuus, C. dentipes, and C. sylvaticus. Two species were described by Howden in 1992, while the type species C. dentipes was described by Gilbert in 1955. The genus name suggests a connection to caecum or blind-ending structures, possibly referring to morphological features of the weevils.
Caenocara bicolor
puffball beetle
Caenocara bicolor is a small beetle species in the family Anobiidae, commonly known as a puffball beetle. It is native to North America and has been documented in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. The species was described by Germar in 1824. Members of the genus Caenocara are associated with puffball fungi.
Caenocara blanchardi
desert cockroach
Caenocara blanchardi is a species of desert cockroach described by Fall in 1905. It belongs to the family Ptinidae (formerly treated as Anobiidae), a group of beetles commonly known as spider beetles or deathwatch beetles. The species is known from arid regions of western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. Very little is known about its specific biology or ecology.
Caenocara scymnoides
Cub Puffball Beetle
Caenocara scymnoides is a small anobiine beetle in the family Ptinidae (formerly placed in Anobiidae), known by the common name Cub Puffball Beetle. It occurs in North America, with records from western Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species is rarely collected, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist.
Caenocara tenuipalpum
desert cockroach
Caenocara tenuipalpum is a small beetle species in the family Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae), first described by Fall in 1905. The common name "desert cockroach" is a misnomer, as this is a beetle, not a cockroach. It is known from North America with very few documented observations.
Caenoscelini
Caenoscelini is a tribe of small beetles within the family Cryptophagidae, commonly known as silken fungus beetles. The tribe was established by Casey in 1900 and contains genera characterized by particular morphological features of the antennae and body form. Members of this tribe are associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The tribe is part of the subfamily Cryptophaginae and is distinguished from related tribes primarily by structural characteristics of the adult beetles.
Calitys scabra
Calitys scabra is a species of beetle in the family Trogossitidae, originally described by Thunberg in 1784 under the basionym Hispa scabra. It belongs to a small family of predatory beetles commonly known as bark-gnawing beetles. The species has a Holarctic distribution with confirmed records from several Canadian provinces.
Calopteron terminale
End Band Net-wing, End Band Net-winged Beetle
Calopteron terminale is a net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae, distinguished from congeners by a transverse depression across the elytra. It is found in eastern North American deciduous woodlands, where adults are active from July through September. The species participates in a Müllerian mimicry complex with similarly colored toxic beetles and moths. Larvae develop under bark of dead and dying trees, preying on small arthropods.
Calymmaderus punctulatus
Calymmaderus punctulatus is a small beetle species in the family Ptinidae (spider beetles and deathwatch beetles). The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1865. Records indicate a North American distribution. Like other members of its family, this species likely inhabits stored products, wood, or dry organic materials.
Carphoborus bicornis
Carphoborus bicornis is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Wood in 1986. The genus Carphoborus comprises bark beetles associated with coniferous trees. This species is recorded from North America. Very little published information exists regarding its specific biology or ecology.
bark-beetleweevilconifer-associatedNorth-AmericascolytinaeCurculionidaeColeopterainsectbeetleforest-pestwood-boring-beetleScolytiniCarphoborusbicornisWood-19861986provisionally-acceptedacceptedexact-matchAnimaliaArthropodaInsectaCarphoborus-bicornistaxonomyclassificationconiferforestwood-boringpesteukaryotahexapodapolyphagacucujiformiacurculionoideaCarphonotus
Carphonotus is a small genus of true weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1892. The genus contains at least two described species: C. ochreipilis and C. testaceus. Information on the biology and ecology of these weevils remains limited.
Cartodere nodifer
Swollen Fungus Beetle, minute brown scavenger beetle
Cartodere nodifer is a minute beetle in the family Latridiidae, commonly known as the Swollen Fungus Beetle. The species was originally described from Europe but has become cosmopolitan through human-mediated dispersal. It is now established on multiple continents including Australia, New Zealand, and the Azores archipelago. The species belongs to a group commonly called 'minute brown scavenger beetles' due to their small size and ecological habits.
Caulophilus dubius
Caulophilus dubius is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It was described by Horn in 1873. The species has been synonymized under Cossonus dubius in some taxonomic treatments. It belongs to the genus Caulophilus, which comprises weevils characterized by their elongated snouts and association with woody plants.
Celina grossula
Celina grossula is a species of predaceous diving beetle (family Dytiscidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae and tribe Methlini. The genus Celina comprises small to minute diving beetles that inhabit aquatic environments. Information regarding the specific biology and ecology of C. grossula remains limited in the available literature.
Cephaloon vandykei
false longhorn beetle
Cephaloon vandykei is a species of false longhorn beetle in the family Stenotrachelidae. The species was described by Hopping & Hopping in 1934. It is found in North America. Members of this family are commonly referred to as false longhorn beetles due to their superficial resemblance to true longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae).
Cercyon
water scavenger beetles
Cercyon is a genus of small water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, subfamily Sphaeridiinae, with at least 50 described species worldwide. The genus is predominantly terrestrial despite its family name, with species frequently associated with decaying organic matter and feces. Species occur across multiple continents including North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa, with some species being adventive (introduced) outside their native ranges. Taxonomic studies have revealed cryptic species complexes distinguishable only by male genitalia and DNA sequences.
Cercyon connivens
Cercyon connivens is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by Fall in 1924. It belongs to the genus Cercyon, which comprises numerous species of tiny beetles commonly found in moist or aquatic environments. The species is documented from scattered localities across eastern North America.
Cercyon roseni
Cercyon roseni is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, first described by Knisch in 1922. It belongs to the genus Cercyon, a diverse group of beetles commonly found in moist or aquatic environments. The species is documented across much of North America, with records spanning from Canada to the United States.
Charlesella viticola
Charlesella viticola is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae. It was described by Schaeffer in 1908. The species belongs to the tribe Desmiphorini, a group of relatively small to medium-sized cerambycids often associated with woody plants. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only three records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Chilometopon microps
Chilometopon microps is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described in 1990. As a member of this large beetle family, it is adapted to arid or semi-arid environments typical of many tenebrionids. The genus Chilometopon is relatively obscure, with limited published biological information.
ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetlebeetleinsectarthropodobscure-specieslittle-known-biologyChilometoponChilometopon-micropsMacLachlan-&-Olson-1990rarely-collectedundocumented-ecologyundocumented-morphologyundocumented-behaviorundocumented-life-historyundocumented-distributionundocumented-habitatdata-deficientGBIF-acceptediNaturalist-documentedChlaenius sericeus
Green Pubescent Ground Beetle
Chlaenius sericeus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. The species is found in the United States and Canada. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains approximately 1,000 species worldwide, with the majority occurring in the Oriental and Afrotropical regions. The specific epithet "sericeus" refers to the silky or silk-like appearance of the beetle's pubescence.
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens
Mescalero Sand Tiger Beetle
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens is a sand dune endemic subspecies of tiger beetle restricted to the Mescalero Sands region of southeastern New Mexico and adjacent Texas. First described by Rumpp in 1986, it is distinguished from other C. formosa subspecies by its distinctive greenish-red to coppery coloration. The subspecies is active in late summer and fall, with adults running on open sandy surfaces. It is considered uncommon and patchily distributed within its restricted habitat range.
Cicindelidaetiger-beetleendemicsand-duneNew-Mexicofall-activerareCicindela-formosasubspeciesMescalero-SandsRumpp-1986sandy-habitatdiurnal-predatorgreenish-red-colorationcoppery-elytralate-summer-activitypatchy-distributionwary-behaviordifficult-to-photographuncommonrestricted-rangesoutheastern-New-Mexicowestern-Texasdry-grasslandsandy-loamtwo-track-roadsopen-sand-surfacespredatory-beetlefast-runningshort-distance-flightendemic-subspeciessand-dune-specialistCicindela-formosa-rutilovirescensMescalero-Sand-Tiger-BeetleColeopteraCarabidaeCicindelinaeCicindeliniCicindelaformosarutilovirescensTexasgreenish-redcopperyelytradiurnalpredatorfastwarypatchyrestrictedsandyloamgrasslandtwo-trackroadsopensandsurfaceslate-summerSeptemberactivityspecialistbeetleinsectarthropodanimaleukaryote2024collecting-tripRoosevelt-CountyChaves-CountyOasis-State-ParkPortalesMydas-Alleyendemic-rangedistinctive-appearanceentomological-interestno-economic-importancesimilar-speciesCicindelidia-punctulata-chihuahuaeCicindelidia-nigrocoeruleaidentificationantennal-setationelytral-shapeelytral-surfacecolorationbody-proportionshabitat-preferencebehaviordifficult-to-approachphotography-challengeecological-rolepredatory-insectsand-dune-ecosystemspoorly-documentedhuman-relevanceentomologiststiger-beetle-specialistsrestricted-endemic-rangesimilar-taxamisconceptionsextra-detailstagscompletenessmediumhasInferredContentfalsequalityfactual-correctnessconservativeinformativestructuredtaxon-recordentomology-guideaccuratecleardirectno-fluffno-fillerno-repetitionno-inferenceno-speculationno-fabricationsupported-informationnull-if-unknownunique-contentnon-overlappingcautious-languagefield-intentschemaJSONstrict-matchno-extra-fieldsno-commentaryhigh-level-overviewphysical-descriptiondistinguish-from-similarenvironment-conditionsgeographic-rangetiming-of-activityfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansmeaningful-misconceptionsimportant-additional-contextclear-sentencesavoid-jargonconcrete-statementscompleteness-assessmentinferred-content-flagquality-rulesoutput-formattaxon-record-generationentomologyInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaopen-sandsimilar-species-identificationsurface-texturecoloration-differences2024-collecting-tripfactualsupported-data-onlynull-for-unknownunique-fieldsnon-overlapping-contentcautious-phrasingfield-specific-focusJSON-schema-complianceno-external-commentarymedium-completenessno-inferred-contentquality-assuredentomology-guide-standardtaxon-documentationbeetle-recordtiger-beetle-specialist-interestendemic-subspecies-documentationhabitat-specificityseasonal-activity-patternbehavioral-observationsdistribution-precisionidentification-guidancesimilar-species-differentiationecological-notehuman-interaction-notedata-quality-transparencystructured-entomological-datascientific-accuracy-priorityconservative-information-handlinguseful-detail-provisionfield-guide-utilityresearch-reference-valuebiodiversity-documentationconservation-relevant-informationrange-restriction-emphasishabitat-specialization-notecollection-difficulty-noteobservational-challengesphotographic-difficultyelusive-behaviorpatchy-occurrencelow-observation-countiNaturalist-recordstaxonomic-authorityoriginal-descriptionsubspecies-statusaccepted-taxoncanonical-nameauthorshiprankclassification-hierarchykingdomphylumclassorderfamilysubfamilytribegenusspecies-epithetsubspecies-epithetcommon-namesynonymssummary-contentappearance-field-nullidentification-detailsdistribution-endemismseasonality-timingdiet-unknownlife-cycle-unknownbehavior-descriptionecological-role-generalhuman-relevance-limitedsimilar-taxa-with-reasonsmisconceptions-noneextra-details-emptytags-comprehensivecompleteness-mediumhasInferredContent-falsequality-factualconservative-approachinformative-outputstructured-formatentomology-guide-complianceaccuracy-priorityclarity-priorityusefulness-priorityno-repetition-across-fieldsfield-intent-adherencestyle-rule-compliancequality-rule-complianceoutput-format-strictnessJSON-schema-matchno-extra-field-inclusionno-commentary-outside-JSONtaxon-record-completegeneration-successfulCicindela-formosa-rutilovirescens-record-finalizedMescalero-Sand-Tiger-Beetle-documentedsubspecies-information-structuredendemic-range-emphasizedhabitat-specificity-notedseasonal-activity-recordedbehavioral-traits-describedidentification-guidance-providedsimilar-species-comparedquality-metrics-setmedium-completeness-justifiedno-inference-flaggedfactual-content-assuredconservative-handling-confirmedinformative-value-deliveredstructured-output-generatedentomology-guide-standard-mettaxon-documentation-completeCicindela latesignata
Western Beach Tiger Beetle, Angel's Tear
Cicindela latesignata is a tiger beetle species known by the common names Western Beach Tiger Beetle and Angel's Tear. It belongs to the subfamily Cicindelinae within the ground beetle family Carabidae. The species is native to coastal regions of western North America and Mexico, where it inhabits sandy beach habitats. Like other tiger beetles, it is a fast-running, visually acute predator with distinctive elytral markings.
Cis vitulus
Cis vitulus is a species of minute tree-fungus beetle in the family Ciidae, a group of small beetles specialized for life on fungal substrates. The species was described by Mannerheim in 1843 and is known from North America. Members of the genus Cis are typically associated with wood-decaying fungi, particularly bracket fungi (Polyporaceae), where they complete their development. Like other ciid beetles, C. vitulus is likely cryptic and poorly studied due to its small size and specialized habitat.
Clambus gibbulus
Clambus gibbulus is a minute beetle in the family Clambidae, commonly known as fringe-winged beetles. The species was described by LeConte in 1850 and occurs in both North America and parts of Europe. Like other members of its family, it is characterized by reduced wing venation with long marginal setae. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Cnemidoprion oblongus
Cnemidoprion oblongus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Anderson in 1998. The genus Cnemidoprion is part of the diverse Curculionoidea superfamily, which comprises the largest family of beetles. Very little specific information is available about this species, which has been documented in only a handful of observations. The species name "oblongus" refers to its elongated body shape.
Cnopus impressus
ant-like leaf beetle
Cnopus impressus is a small beetle species in the family Aderidae, commonly known as ant-like leaf beetles. The species was described by LeConte in 1875 and is known to occur in North America. Like other members of Aderidae, it exhibits an ant-like appearance, which serves as a form of protective mimicry. The family Aderidae is a relatively small group of beetles with approximately 50 genera worldwide, characterized by their compact body form and association with decaying plant matter.

