Carabidae
Guides
Elaphropus dolosus
Elaphropus dolosus is a small ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1848. It is recorded from North America, with documented occurrences in Canada and the United States. The genus Elaphropus comprises small carabid beetles often associated with riparian and moist habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published sources.
Elaphropus ferrugineus
Elaphropus ferrugineus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from the United States. The species was described by Dejean in 1831. As a member of the genus Elaphropus, it belongs to a group of small carabid beetles.
Elaphropus fuscicornis
Elaphropus fuscicornis is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1868. The genus Elaphropus belongs to the tribe Bembidiini and comprises diminutive carabids often found in moist microhabitats. This species is known from the United States with records from North America.
Elaphropus incurvus
Elaphropus incurvus is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas Say in 1830. It belongs to a genus of diminutive carabids often associated with moist microhabitats. The species is documented from North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. Like other members of Elaphropus, it is likely a ground-dwelling predator, though specific ecological studies are limited.
Elaphropus parvulus
Elaphropus parvulus is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described by Dejean in 1831 as Bembidium parvulum. The species has a remarkably broad distribution spanning North America, Europe, temperate Asia, and Africa. It belongs to a genus of minute carabid beetles commonly associated with riparian and wetland habitats. Despite its wide geographic range, detailed natural history information for this specific species remains limited in the available literature.
Elaphropus quadrisignatus
A small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described as *Elaphrus quadrisignatus* by Duftschmid in 1812 and later transferred to *Elaphropus*. The species is documented from scattered records across Europe and North Africa, with 24 observations reported on iNaturalist. As a member of the tribe Bembidiini, it belongs to a diverse group of small carabids often associated with moist microhabitats.
Elaphropus saturatus
Elaphropus saturatus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Trechinae. It was described by Casey in 1918. The species belongs to a large genus of small carabid beetles. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Elaphropus vivax
Elaphropus vivax is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1848. It belongs to a genus of diminutive carabids often associated with moist microhabitats. The species is documented from North America, with records from both Canada and the United States. Like other members of Elaphropus, it is likely adapted to riparian or wetland edge environments, though specific ecological studies are limited.
Elaphropus xanthopus
Elaphropus xanthopus is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was originally described as Bembidium xanthopus by Dejean in 1831 and later transferred to the genus Elaphropus. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
Elaphrus
Marsh Ground Beetles
Elaphrus is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae: Elaphrinae) commonly known as marsh ground beetles. The genus contains at least 40 described species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, Near East, and Northern Africa. Many species are strongly associated with wetland habitats, including vernal pools and marshes. Several species exhibit strong morphological resemblance to tiger beetles (Cicindelinae), frequently leading to misidentification by collectors. At least two species, E. viridis and E. sugai, are considered threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and degradation.
Elaphrus americanus
Elaphrus americanus is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Elaphrinae, described by Dejean in 1831. The species occurs across much of Canada and parts of the United States. Members of the genus Elaphrus are frequently mistaken for tiger beetles (Cicindelinae) due to their similar appearance, though they are true ground beetles (Carabidae). Taxonomic analysis has identified this species as part of a complex that includes E. finitimus and multiple subspecies with distinct geographic distributions.
Elaphrus americanus americanus
A subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, Elaphrus americanus americanus is the nominate subspecies of the E. americanus species complex. The complex comprises two Nearctic species: E. americanus and E. finitimus. This subspecies is distinguished from a western subspecies, E. americanus sylvanus, through morphometric analysis of body proportions and other phenetic characters.
Elaphrus americanus sylvanus
Elaphrus americanus sylvanus is a western subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Goulet in 1982 from Oregon. The subspecies belongs to the Elaphrus americanus species complex, which was previously treated as a single species but later recognized as comprising multiple distinct taxa based on morphological analysis. Members of the genus Elaphrus are known for their strong resemblance to tiger beetles (Cicindelinae), often leading to misidentification by collectors.
Elaphrus cicatricosus
Elaphrus cicatricosus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Elaphrinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1848. It is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The genus Elaphrus comprises beetles that are frequently mistaken for tiger beetles (Cicindelinae) due to their similar appearance and ground-dwelling habits.
Elaphrus lapponicus lapponicus
Elaphrus lapponicus lapponicus is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to a genus frequently mistaken for tiger beetles due to convergent morphology. The species is part of a holarctic complex with distribution across northern regions.
Elaphrus lecontei
Elaphrus lecontei is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Elaphrinae, described by Crotch in 1876. The genus Elaphrus comprises true ground beetles that are frequently mistaken for tiger beetles (Cicindelinae) due to their similar appearance and behavior. These beetles are known for their metallic coloration and preference for moist, sandy habitats.
Elaphrus lindrothi
Elaphrus lindrothi is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Elaphrinae, described by Goulet in 1983. It belongs to a genus known for species that closely resemble tiger beetles (Cicindelinae), often leading to misidentification by collectors. The species is native to the United States and is part of the North American fauna of Elaphrus, a genus of true ground beetles (Carabidae) with distinctive morphological adaptations.
Eucaerus
Eucaerus is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) in the tribe Lachnophorini, subfamily Lebiinae. Established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853, this genus belongs to a group of small carabid beetles characterized by pubescent (hairy) dorsal surfaces. Species in this genus are found in North America. The genus name is homonymous with the nickname of the Seleucid king Demetrius III (Eucaerus), though this is coincidental and unrelated to the beetle taxonomy.
Eucaerus varicornis
Eucaerus varicornis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the tribe Lachnophorini within the subfamily Lebiinae. The species is known from North America, with records from the United States. Like other members of the genus Eucaerus, it is likely associated with ground-dwelling habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Eucheila boyeri
Eucheila boyeri is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species was described by Solier in 1835. It belongs to the genus Eucheila, a group of carabid beetles with limited published biological documentation. Available records indicate presence in Brazil, Colombia, USA, Venezuela, and Caribbean regions.
Eunota californica
California Tiger Beetle
Eunota californica, commonly known as the California Tiger Beetle, is a ground-dwelling beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). The species was originally described as Cicindela californica by Ménétriés in 1843 and later transferred to the genus Eunota. It occurs in Mexico and the United States, with 55 iNaturalist observations documenting its presence. As a member of the tiger beetle group, it is likely a fast-running, visually-oriented predator, though specific behavioral studies for this species are limited.
Eunota californica pseudoerronea
California Tiger Beetle
Eunota californica pseudoerronea is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). Originally described as Cicindela californica pseudoerronea by Rumpp in 1958, it is now classified in the genus Eunota. This subspecies is endemic to California and is part of a group of fast-running predatory beetles commonly known as tiger beetles.
Eunota praetextata praetextata
Riparian Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae, known from the southwestern United States. This subspecies is part of a complex of saline-adapted tiger beetles in the genus Eunota. The specific epithet 'praetextata' refers to a bordered or fringed appearance, likely describing elytral patterning. The nominate subspecies is distinguished from other subspecies of E. praetextata by its distribution and presumably by subtle morphological differences in elytral maculation.
Eunota severa
Saltmarsh Tiger Beetle
Eunota severa, commonly known as the Saltmarsh Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). It occurs in coastal salt marsh habitats along the Gulf Coast of the United States and Mexico. The species is notable for its shiny green elytra with reduced maculations appearing as small spots at the middle and rear. It is primarily active during morning and evening hours, making it challenging to observe and photograph during midday. The species has been recorded from south Texas and Florida, where it occurs sympatrically with other salt marsh tiger beetles.
Euphorticus
Euphorticus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by G.Horn in 1881. It belongs to the tribe Lachnophorini within the subfamily Lebiinae. The genus contains five described species distributed across the Americas, from the United States to South America.
Euphorticus pubescens
Euphorticus pubescens is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Dejean in 1831. Records indicate presence in Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, and the United States (including North Carolina). The species belongs to the tribe Lachnophorini, a group of small to medium-sized carabids often associated with ground-dwelling habits in various terrestrial habitats.
Euproctinus abjectus
Euproctinus abjectus is a species of ground beetle described by Bates in 1883. It belongs to the family Carabidae, a diverse group of predatory beetles. The species has been documented in Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States. Available information on this species is limited, with only three observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Evolenes
Evolenes is a monotypic genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, containing the single species Evolenes exarata. The genus was established by LeConte in 1853 and is classified within the subtribe Oodina of the tribe Oodini. The sole species is known from the United States.
Galerita aequinoctialis
Galerita aequinoctialis is a species of ground beetle described by Chaudoir in 1852. It belongs to the genus Galerita, a group of large, visually striking carabid beetles often called "false bombardier beetles" due to their resemblance to bombardier beetles (Brachinus). The species occurs in Central America and Mexico.
Galerita forreri
Galerita forreri is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It occurs in North America. The genus Galerita comprises relatively large, fast-running ground beetles often recognized by their distinctive body shape and coloration.
Gastrellarius blanchardi
Gastrellarius blanchardi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described as Pterostichus blanchardi by G.Horn in 1891. It belongs to the tribe Pterostichini and is classified as a woodland ground beetle. The species is known from North America, with distribution records from the United States. Available information is limited, with few documented observations.
Gastrellarius honestus
Gastrellarius honestus is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to the genus Gastrellarius, a group of ground beetles within the tribe Pterostichini. The species is recorded from North America, with observations documented in both Canada and the United States.
Gastrellarius unicarum
Gastrellarius unicarum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Darlington in 1932 under the name Pterostichus unicarum. It is classified within the subfamily Pterostichinae and tribe Pterostichini. The species is documented from North America, with confirmed records from the United States. Available information is limited, with only five observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Gehringiinae
Gehringiinae is a small subfamily of ground beetles (Carabidae) containing approximately 20 described species across two genera: Gehringia and Zuphioides. Members are minute to small beetles, generally less than 3 mm in length, adapted to specialized microhabitats. The subfamily was established to accommodate taxa with distinctive morphological features that separate them from other carabid lineages. They are among the smallest carabid beetles and are rarely encountered due to their cryptic habits.
Geopinus
Geopinus is a monotypic genus of ground beetles (family Carabidae) containing only the species Geopinus incrassatus. The genus is classified within the tribe Anisodactylini. The single known species has been documented feeding on seedlings in agricultural seed beds.
Goniotropis
Goniotropis is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Paussinae, containing at least 40 described species. Adults are large, parallel-sided beetles found in the New World tropics. Larvae are burrow-dwelling predators with a distinctive terminal disk composed of modified urogomphi and dorsal plates. The genus ranges from southern Arizona to northern Argentina.
Goniotropis parca
Goniotropis parca is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, subfamily Paussinae. It was described by LeConte in 1884. The species has a documented distribution spanning Central America and North America.
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis venusta
Gulf Beach Tiger Beetle
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis venusta, commonly known as the Gulf Beach Tiger Beetle, is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). It is one of several subspecies within the Habroscelimorpha dorsalis species complex. Tiger beetles in this genus are typically associated with sandy coastal habitats. The specific epithet 'venusta' suggests an attractive or elegant appearance, consistent with the often colorful and patterned nature of tiger beetles in this group.
Halocoryza
Halocoryza is a genus of small, intertidal ground beetles (Carabidae) restricted to tropical and subtropical coastal habitats. The genus comprises four described species distributed across shorelines of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, including Caribbean islands and the Gulf of Mexico. All species are nocturnal predators associated with sandy or coralline substrates near mangroves, coral reefs, or seaweed accumulations. The genus is characterized by reduced flight capability, slow running speed, and adaptations for burrowing in coastal sediments.
Halocoryza arenaria
Halocoryza arenaria is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Scaritinae. It was described by Philip Darlington in 1939. The species is brown in coloration and has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Neotropics, Africa, and the Caribbean. It belongs to the tribe Clivinini within the scaritine ground beetles.
Harpalini
ground beetles
Harpalini is a large tribe of ground beetles (family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalalinae) containing over 1,900 described species across approximately 103 genera. Members are predominantly nocturnal ground beetles distributed across all major biogeographic regions including the Palaearctic, Oriental, Afrotropical, Neotropical, Nearctic, and Australian regions. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Harpalus, a diverse group with numerous Palaearctic species, and Trichotichnus, which comprises over 260 species worldwide. Taxonomic research on Harpalini focuses heavily on species descriptions, distribution records, and generic revisions, with recent work describing new species from China, Brazil, India, and Australia.
Harpalitae
Harpalitae was historically recognized as a supertribe of ground beetles within the subfamily Harpalinae of family Carabidae. Following taxonomic reorganization of Carabidae, the supertribe designation fell out of use. The four tribes formerly grouped under Harpalitae are now classified directly under Harpalinae. The term persists primarily in older literature.
Harpalus
Harpalus is a large and diverse genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, containing over 420 described species and subspecies. It is the largest genus of the tribe Harpalini and one of the most diverse genera in the entire ground beetle family. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species found across multiple continents. A recent worldwide classification based on adult morphology divides Harpalus into seventy subgenera grouped into nineteen subgroups and ten groups, including thirty-six newly described subgenera. Members of this genus are primarily ground-dwelling predators and granivores found in agricultural fields, grasslands, and open habitats.
Harpalus affinis
Metallic Harpalus
Harpalus affinis is a ground beetle species native to the Palearctic region, with established introduced populations in North America and New Zealand. Adults measure 8.5–12 mm and display distinctive metallic bronze, green, or blue reflections on an otherwise black body. The species has been documented as part of beneficial ground beetle communities in agricultural systems, where it responds positively to reduced-tillage practices. Larval development spans approximately three months, with newly hatched larvae emerging in mid-May.
Harpalus amputatus
Harpalus amputatus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas Say in 1830. It belongs to the subfamily Harpalinae and is one of numerous species in the large genus Harpalus. The species exhibits a transcontinental distribution spanning northern Asia and North America, with recognized subspecies in Russia, China, Mongolia, and North America. Like other Harpalus species, it is a ground-dwelling beetle typically found in open, dry habitats where it hunts small invertebrates and scavenges opportunistically.
Harpalus atrichatus
Harpalus atrichatus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Hatch in 1949. As a member of the large genus Harpalus, it belongs to the family Carabidae, one of the most diverse beetle families. The species epithet 'atrichatus' suggests a lack of hair or setae, though this has not been explicitly documented in the available sources. Very little specific information about its biology, ecology, or distribution has been published.
Harpalus cohni
Harpalus cohni is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalalinae, described by George E. Ball in 1972. It belongs to the large genus Harpalus, one of the most diverse genera within the Carabidae family. The species is known from the United States, with distribution records indicating presence in North America. Like other members of Harpalus, it is likely a nocturnal or crepuscular predator, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented due to limited study.
Harpalus compar
Harpalus compar is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalalinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1848. It belongs to the large genus Harpalus, which contains over 400 described species and represents one of the most diverse genera within the family Carabidae. The species is known from North America, with records from both the United States and Canada.
Harpalus cordatus
Harpalus cordatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in the United States, with records primarily from North America. The species has been historically placed in the genus Ophonus as O. (Metophonus) cordatus based on Duftschmid's 1812 description, but modern taxonomy recognizes it under Harpalus. Information on its biology and ecology is sparse, reflecting limited study of this particular species.
Harpalus cordifer
Harpalus cordifer is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalalinae, described by Notman in 1919. It belongs to the large genus Harpalus, one of the most diverse genera of ground beetles in North America. The species is documented from Alaska and northern North America, with records extending into Canada and the contiguous United States. Like other members of the genus, it is a nocturnal ground beetle likely associated with open, disturbed habitats where it preys on small invertebrates and may consume seeds.