Carabidae
Guides
Lionepha erasa
A ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, Lionepha erasa occurs in western North America from Oregon through Alaska. It was previously confused with a widespread congeneric species now named L. probata. The species has 12 pairs of autosomes and an X0/XX sex-chromosome system.
Lophoglossus scrutator
Lophoglossus scrutator is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Lophoglossus, it belongs to a group of carabid beetles typically associated with forest habitats.
Loricera decempunctata
10-spotted springtail-hunter
Loricera decempunctata is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the 10-spotted springtail-hunter. It occurs in western North America from Alaska to California. The species is associated with freshwater margins including ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams. Its common name suggests specialization on springtails (Collembola), though this diet has not been formally documented in published literature.
Loricera pilicornis
Hairy-horned Springtail-hunter
Loricera pilicornis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, notable for its highly specialized antennal setal trap used to capture Collembola (springtails). The species possesses modified setae on the proximal antennal segments that form a mechanical trap capable of retaining most springtail prey. It is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America and parts of Asia.
Loricerinae
Loricerinae is a subfamily of ground beetles in Carabidae, established by Bonelli in 1810. It is monogeneric, containing only the genus Loricera. These beetles are recognized for their distinctive flattened, shield-like body form and association with moist habitats. The subfamily is relatively small in species diversity but has a broad geographic distribution.
Loricerini
Loricerini is a tribe of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, belonging to the subfamily Loricerinae. Members of this tribe are characterized by their distinctive body form and are found in specific habitat types. The tribe contains the genus *Loricera*, which includes species adapted to particular ecological niches. These beetles are part of the diverse ground beetle fauna and contribute to soil and litter ecosystem processes.
Medusapyga
Medusapyga is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, described in 2023 by LaBonte and Maddison. It is a recently established taxon, and its species-level composition and biological characteristics remain to be fully documented. The genus belongs to the diverse beetle order Coleoptera and the suborder Adephaga, which includes most predatory beetle lineages. As a newly described genus, detailed natural history information is currently limited.
Medusapyga chehalis
Medusapyga chehalis is a ground beetle species described in 2023, making it one of the most recently described members of the Carabidae family. It belongs to the genus Medusapyga, which was established in 2019 and is characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species epithet "chehalis" refers to the Chehalis River region of western Washington State, indicating its type locality. As a newly described species, published information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Metriini
Ant nest beetles
Metriini is a small tribe of ground beetles in the subfamily Paussinae, commonly known as ant nest beetles. The tribe contains at least three genera and approximately six described species. Members are found in North America and China, with one extinct genus known from Burmese amber. These beetles are associated with ant colonies, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Metrius
Metrius is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising two described species: Metrius contractus and Metrius explodens. The genus is notable for exhibiting exceptional tolerance to hydrogen cyanide, a trait shared with the millipede-specialist genus Promecognathus. Unlike Promecognathus, however, there is no documented evidence of millipede predation in Metrius, and the ecological basis for this cyanide tolerance remains unexplained.
Metrius contractus
Contracted Bombing Beetle
Metrius contractus is a bombardier beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz in 1829. It belongs to the subfamily Paussinae and is one of approximately 295 documented observations. The species is distributed in North America, specifically in Canada and the United States. It is known for its defensive chemical capabilities characteristic of bombardier beetles.
Metrius contractus contractus
Contracted Bombing Beetle
Metrius contractus contractus is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to western North America. It belongs to the tribe Metriini, which is notable for its specialized chemical defense mechanisms. The species has been documented in Canada and the United States, with observations concentrated in western regions. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the ability to discharge defensive chemicals, earning it the common name 'Contracted Bombing Beetle.'
Micratopus
Micratopus is a genus of small ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by Casey in 1914. The genus comprises seven described species distributed across the Caribbean, South America, and North America. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Bembidiini and are characterized by their diminutive size, a trait reflected in the genus name. Several species have been described relatively recently, with three new species named in 2021 from the Lesser Antilles.
Micratopus insularis
Micratopus insularis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Darlington in 1934. The species is endemic to the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. As a member of the tribe Bembidiini, it belongs to a diverse group of small carabid beetles often associated with riparian or moist habitats. The genus Micratopus is part of the subtribe Tachyina, which contains numerous species with reduced or modified wings and island-associated distributions.
Micratopus parviceps
Micratopus parviceps is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Darlington in 1934. It belongs to the subfamily Trechinae and tribe Bembidiini. The genus name Micratopus suggests small feet, while the specific epithet parviceps refers to a small head. Very little detailed information is available about this species beyond its taxonomic classification and geographic origin in Cuba.
Micrixys
Micrixys is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Panagaeinae. The genus was described by LeConte in 1854 and contains at least two recognized species: Micrixys distincta from the United States and Micrixys mexicana from Mexico. These beetles belong to the tribe Panagaeini and are part of the diverse North American carabid fauna.
Microlestes
Microlestes is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. The genus contains approximately 127 species distributed across the Afro-tropical region, Palearctic (including Europe), Near East, North Africa, and Oriental region. Species in this genus are small ground beetles, with some exhibiting pronounced sexual dimorphism in leg structure.
Microlestes curtipennis
Microlestes curtipennis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was described by Casey in 1920. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Microlestes, it belongs to a group of small carabid beetles commonly known as ant-like beetles due to their morphology and behavior.
Microlestes linearis
A small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Microlestes, it is likely associated with ground-level habitats where it functions as a predatory beetle.
Microthylax
Coral Beach Tiger Beetles
Microthylax is a genus of tiger beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Cicindelinae. It contains five described species distributed from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The genus was established by Rivalier in 1954. Species in this genus are associated with coastal and beach habitats, earning them the common name "Coral Beach Tiger Beetles."
Mioptachys
Mioptachys is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, described by Bates in 1882. The genus contains 13 described species distributed across the Americas, from the United States through Central America and into South America. Species in this genus are small carabids, with several exhibiting notable morphological adaptations including reduced or absent eyes in some taxa. The genus is classified within the subtribe Xystosomina of the tribe Bembidiini.
Miscodera
A monotypic genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) containing only Miscodera arctica. The genus has a circumpolar Arctic distribution with disjunct populations in northern New England. Its taxonomic placement has been historically disputed, currently assigned to subfamily Broscinae though formerly placed in Trechinae.
Miscodera arctica
Miscodera arctica is a ground beetle (family Carabidae) and the sole species in its genus. It has a Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern regions of North America and Eurasia. The species is placed in the subfamily Broscinae, a group of carabid beetles often associated with cool or montane habitats. As the only member of Miscodera, it represents a monotypic lineage within the diverse ground beetle fauna.
Mochtherus tetraspilotus
Mochtherus tetraspilotus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by W.S. MacLeay in 1825. The species has a broad distribution spanning multiple continents including Australia, Asia, and North America. It belongs to the subfamily Lebiinae, a group often associated with arboreal or ground-dwelling predatory habits. The specific epithet "tetraspilotus" refers to four spots or markings.
Morion
Morion is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, tribe Morionini. Established by Latreille in 1810, this genus contains multiple species distributed across various regions. Members of this genus are part of the subfamily Pterostichinae, a diverse group of carabid beetles.
Morionini
Morionini is a tribe of ground beetles (Carabidae) in the subfamily Pterostichinae, established by Brullé in 1837. The tribe is represented in the Western Hemisphere by at least two genera, including the Neotropical genus Moriosomus. Members of this tribe are primarily associated with forest habitats, particularly under bark and in decaying wood. The tribe's classification and generic composition have been subject to taxonomic revision, with ongoing work to clarify species boundaries and geographic distributions.
Myas coracinus
woodland ground beetle
Myas coracinus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas Say in 1923. It is classified within the genus Myas and occurs in woodland habitats across North America. Like other carabid beetles, it is a ground-dwelling predator. Specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature.
Neaphaenops
Neaphaenops is a monotypic genus of cave-dwelling ground beetles (Carabidae: Trechinae) established by Jeannel in 1920. Its sole species, Neaphaenops tellkampfii, is a troglobitic predator found in cave systems of the United States. The species exhibits subspecific variation in foraging behavior correlated with distinct cave microhabitats.
Nebria arkansana edwardsi
Nebria arkansana edwardsi is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Kavanaugh in 1979. As a member of the genus Nebria, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with riparian and moist forest habitats. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader N. arkansana species complex.
Nebria arkansana fragilis
Nebria arkansana fragilis is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1924. It belongs to the subgenus Erwinebria within the genus Nebria. The species N. arkansana is part of a Holarctic genus of carabid beetles commonly associated with riparian and moist habitats in montane and subalpine environments. The subspecific epithet 'fragilis' suggests morphological distinction from the nominate subspecies, though specific diagnostic characters are not documented in available sources.
Nebria brevicollis
European Gazelle Beetle, Short-collared Gazelle Beetle
Nebria brevicollis is a ground beetle native to Europe and the Near East that has been introduced to western North America. It is a nocturnal, opportunistic predator with a flexible life history involving photoperiod-controlled reproductive diapause. The species exhibits remarkable habitat breadth, from sea level to alpine zones, and shows phenotypic plasticity in flight muscle development based on larval nutrition. Its rapid expansion in the Pacific Northwest has raised questions about potential ecological impacts on native carabid communities.
Nebria coloradensis
Colorado gazelle beetle
Nebria coloradensis is a flightless ground beetle endemic to the mountainous regions of Colorado. Adults possess reduced wings (brachypterous) and are active nocturnally. The species inhabits wet ground in alpine and subalpine environments.
Nebria crassicornis crassicornis
A subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described from western North America. As a member of the subgenus Boreonebria, it belongs to a lineage of cold-adapted carabid beetles typically associated with montane and boreal environments. The subspecific designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within the broader species N. crassicornis.
Nebria crassicornis intermedia
Nebria crassicornis intermedia is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Van Dyke in 1949. It belongs to the subgenus Boreonebria within the genus Nebria, a group of carabid beetles often associated with cool, moist environments. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader species N. crassicornis, which occurs in western North America.
Nebria diversa
sea beach gazelle beetle
Nebria diversa is a coastal ground beetle endemic to sandy Pacific beaches of western North America. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), restricting dispersal to coastal habitats. The species is nocturnal and occupies a narrow ecological niche beneath driftwood and debris on open sandy shorelines.
Nebria frigida
frigid gazelle beetle
Nebria frigida is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Nebriinae, described by R.F. Sahlberg in 1844. It exhibits a Holarctic distribution spanning the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. Adults are nocturnal and carnivorous. The species inhabits cold-temperate and boreal regions, with populations established across northern Eurasia and western North America.
Nebria gebleri
Gebler's gazelle beetle
Nebria gebleri is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Dejean in 1831. It is found in North America, with a distribution spanning Alaska, Canada, and the western United States. The species comprises six recognized subspecies, each associated with specific mountain ranges. Adults are nocturnal and carnivorous.
Nebria gebleri cascadensis
Nebria gebleri cascadensis is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Kavanaugh in 1979. It belongs to the subgenus Catonebria within the genus Nebria. The subspecies is distributed in northwestern North America, including Alaska and parts of Canada and the contiguous United States. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported.
Nebria gebleri gebleri
Nebria gebleri gebleri is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Nebriinae. It is native to boreal and montane regions of North America, with records from Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. The species is part of the subgenus Catonebria, a group characterized by cold-adapted biology and often associated with high-elevation or high-latitude habitats.
Nebria gregaria
gregarious gazelle beetle
Nebria gregaria is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the gregarious gazelle beetle. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal, and carnivorous. The species is restricted to riparian habitats and is found in Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, eastern Russia, and China.
Nebria obliqua
Oblique Mountains gazelle beetle
Nebria obliqua is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1867. It belongs to the subgenus Reductonebria and is one of two recognized subspecies: the nominate N. o. obliqua and N. o. chuskae. The species is distributed across northern North America, including Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States.
Nebria ovipennis
oval gazelle beetle
Nebria ovipennis is a ground beetle endemic to California and Nevada, where it inhabits meadows and snowfield margins in upland and mountainous areas. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal, and carnivorous. The species belongs to the subfamily Nebriinae, a group often associated with cool, moist habitats at higher elevations.
Nebria schwarzi
Schwarz's gazelle beetle
Nebria schwarzi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Van Dyke in 1925. The species is endemic to western North America, with two recognized subspecies: the nominate form N. s. schwarzi found in Alberta and British Columbia, and N. s. beverlianna restricted to Wyoming. Like other members of the genus Nebria, it is commonly referred to as a 'gazelle beetle' due to its characteristic rapid running behavior.
Nebria suturalis
seamed gazelle beetle
Nebria suturalis, commonly known as the seamed gazelle beetle, is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species exhibits wing dimorphism with both forms incapable of flight. Adults are strictly nocturnal and carnivorous. It is restricted to high-elevation habitats, occurring on mountain tops across a disjunct range in northeastern North America and the Rocky Mountains.
Nebriinae
Nebriinae is a subfamily of ground beetles (Carabidae) established by Laporte in 1834, containing approximately 12 genera and more than 840 described species. The group is distributed across the Palaearctic region, with significant diversity in mountainous areas of Europe including the Carpathians, Balkans, and other ranges. Species are often associated with montane and submontane habitats, though some occur in lowland meadow-steppe environments. The genus Nebria is the most species-rich and well-studied within the subfamily.
Nelsonites
Nelsonites is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by Valentine in 1952. The genus contains two described species: Nelsonites jonesei and Nelsonites walteri. Both species are known from the United States. The genus belongs to the tribe Trechini within the subfamily Trechinae.
Nelsonites jonesi
Nelsonites jonesi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the subfamily Trechinae, a group that includes many cave-dwelling and ground-dwelling beetles. The genus Nelsonites is recognized within Carabidae, though specific details about this particular species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Nemotarsus elegans
Nemotarsus elegans is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the subfamily Lebiinae and tribe Cyclosomini. The species is known from North America, with occurrence records from the United States. Like other members of Carabidae, it is a predatory beetle.
Nemotarsus rhombifer
Nemotarsus rhombifer is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Henry Walter Bates in 1883. It belongs to the subfamily Lebiinae and tribe Cyclosomini. The species has been recorded from Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States, spanning parts of Central and North America.
Nippononebria
Nippononebria is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising approximately eight described species. The genus exhibits a disjunct distribution with species in Japan, China, and western North America. North American lineages have undergone rapid speciation within the last million years, accompanied by ecological divergence into alpine habitats and convergent shifts in body shape and thermal tolerance.