Carabidae
Guides
Oxypselaphus pusillus
Oxypselaphus pusillus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Platyninae and tribe Platynini. Limited information is available on its biology and ecology.
Ozaena
ozaena beetles
Ozaena is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Paussinae. These beetles belong to the tribe Ozaenini, which includes species with specialized morphological adaptations. Members of this genus are rarely encountered, with limited observational records. The genus has been documented since the early 19th century, with Olivier establishing the taxon in 1812.
Panagaeus
Holy Ground Beetles
Panagaeus is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising approximately 15 described species. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Holarctic, Near East, North Africa, Central America, and South America. Species within this genus are commonly referred to as "Holy Ground Beetles" due to distinctive markings on the elytra that resemble crosses or other symbolic patterns. The genus was established by Latreille in 1802 and belongs to the subfamily Panagaeinae.
Panagaeus sallei
hairy ground beetle
Panagaeus sallei is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly referred to as a 'hairy ground beetle.' It is native to North America. The species was described by Chaudoir in 1862. Like other members of the genus Panagaeus, it is a predatory beetle inhabiting ground-level environments.
Paraclivina postica
Paraclivina postica is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was described by LeConte in 1846. The species is currently classified under the genus Paraclivina, though it has been treated as a synonym of Clivina postica in some taxonomic treatments. Records indicate presence in the United States and North America generally.
Paraclivina sulcipennis
Paraclivina sulcipennis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Scaritinae. The species was originally described by Putzeys in 1867 under the genus Clivina and has since been reclassified to Paraclivina. It is recorded from the United States and North America. As with other members of the tribe Clivinini, it is a small, fossorial ground beetle adapted to burrowing in soil.
Paradromius
Paradromius is a genus of ground beetles (family Carabidae) comprising more than 20 described species. The genus was established by Fowler in 1887 and is classified within the subfamily Lebiinae, tribe Lebiini. Species occur across North Africa, the Palearctic, and the Middle East, with notable diversity on the Canary Islands and in Morocco.
Parvindela debilis
Grass-runner Tiger Beetle
Parvindela debilis, commonly known as the Grass-runner Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species was originally described by Bates in 1890 and has undergone taxonomic reclassification from the genus Cylindera to the currently accepted Parvindela. As a member of the tiger beetle subfamily Cicindelinae, it exhibits the characteristic predatory habits and fast-running behavior typical of this group. The species appears to be relatively rarely encountered, with limited observational records available.
Parvindela lemniscata
Parvindela lemniscata is a species of tiger beetle in the subfamily Cicindelinae. It was formerly placed in the genus Cylindera but has been transferred to Parvindela based on morphological and molecular evidence. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are active during warmer months and are attracted to ultraviolet lights at night.
Parvindela terricola imperfecta
Imperfect Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola imperfecta is a subspecies of tiger beetle formerly classified under Cicindela and later Cylindera, now placed in the genus Parvindela following elevation of the former subgenus Cylindera to generic rank. It is distinguished by bright metallic green coloration, dense setae on the head and legs, and reduced or absent elytral maculations. The subspecies name 'imperfecta' refers to the incomplete or reduced white markings on the elytra compared to other subspecies. It occurs in the Great Plains region of North America, including Nebraska.
Parvindela terricola terricola
Variable Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola terricola is a subspecies of Variable Tiger Beetle in the subfamily Cicindelinae. It is characterized by bright metallic green coloration, a densely setose (hairy) head and pronotum, and a cream-colored labrum. This subspecies occurs in Nebraska and surrounding regions, where it inhabits open, sandy areas. The species was formerly classified under Cicindela and later Cylindera before the elevation of the subgenus Parvindela to generic rank.
Pasimachus
Warrior Beetles
Pasimachus is a genus of large, robust ground beetles in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Warrior Beetles. The genus name derives from Ancient Greek πᾶς ('all') and μαχητής ('warrior' or 'fighter'), referencing the beetles' large mandibles and predatory nature. Species occur primarily in North America, with approximately 30 described species distributed across diverse habitats including sandhills, juniper woodlands, and mesa tops.
Pasimachus depressus
blue-margined ground beetle
Pasimachus depressus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, found in North America. The species is known to occur in the western United States, with records from Colorado and Oklahoma. It is regularly sampled at the National Ecological Observatory Network's Central Plains Experimental Range in Colorado and is stored in the NEON Biorepository. The species is part of the genus Pasimachus, sometimes referred to as 'warrior beetles' due to their large, formidable mandibles.
Pasimachus obsoletus
Obscure Warrior Beetle
Pasimachus obsoletus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1846. It belongs to a genus commonly referred to as "Warrior Beetles" due to their large, formidable mandibles. The species epithet "obsoletus" refers to its somewhat worn or indistinct appearance. Like other members of Pasimachus, it is a predatory beetle active on the ground surface.
Pasimachus punctulatus
Pasimachus punctulatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from the United States. The species belongs to the subfamily Scaritinae, a group characterized by fossorial (burrowing) adaptations. As a member of the genus Pasimachus, it shares traits with other large, robust ground beetles in this group.
Pasimachus strenuus
Pasimachus strenuus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1874. It belongs to a genus of large, robust carabids sometimes referred to as 'warrior beetles' due to their formidable appearance. The species occurs in North America, though specific ecological details remain limited in published sources.
Pasimachus sublaevis
Moderately Smooth Warrior Beetle
Pasimachus sublaevis is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Moderately Smooth Warrior Beetle. The species occurs across North America and is one of several species in the genus Pasimachus, which are notable for their robust build, large mandibles, and active predatory behavior. Warrior beetles are among the more conspicuous carabids in open habitats due to their size and diurnal activity patterns.
Pasimachus viridans
Green-bordered Ground Beetle
Pasimachus viridans is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Green-bordered Ground Beetle. It belongs to a genus sometimes referred to as 'Warrior Beetles' due to their prominent, powerful mandibles. The species is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is one of two recognized subspecies within the P. viridans complex.
Patrobina
Patrobina is a subtribe of ground beetles (Carabidae) within the tribe Patrobini, established by Kirby in 1837. Members of this subtribe are small to medium-sized beetles associated with moist, often riparian or wetland habitats. The subtribe includes genera such as Patrobus and others, though the precise generic composition has been subject to taxonomic revision. Patrobina beetles are part of the diverse carabid fauna that contributes to predatory control of invertebrate populations in temperate ecosystems.
Patrobini
Patrobini is a tribe of ground beetles (Carabidae) established by Kirby in 1837. Members include subtribe Deltomerodina, which contains genera such as Deltomerodes characterized by slender medium-sized bodies (8.5–12.0 mm), dorsally pubescent tarsi, and distinctive genitalia morphology. The tribe occurs in alpine and high-elevation habitats across the Himalayas and adjacent regions.
Patrobus
Patrobus is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising more than 20 described species. The genus is distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. At least one species, Patrobus atrorufus, has been studied for its life cycle and seasonal activity patterns, showing flexibility in breeding timing in response to climatic conditions. Members of this genus have been recorded in agricultural studies as part of carabid communities sensitive to soil management practices.
Patrobus cinctus
Patrobus cinctus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It has a Holarctic distribution, occurring across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America including Alaska and Canada. Like other ground beetles, it is a ground-dwelling predator sensitive to soil disturbance, making it a useful bioindicator of agricultural practices.
Patrobus foveocollis
Patrobus foveocollis is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, characterized by its Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Patrobinae, a group of ground beetles often associated with moist habitats. Like other Patrobus species, it is sensitive to soil disturbance and agricultural practices.
Patrobus lecontei
Patrobus lecontei is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1872. It belongs to the subfamily Patrobinae, a group of carabid beetles often associated with moist or riparian habitats. The species is documented from North America, with occurrence records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Patrobus, it is likely a predatory beetle, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Patrobus longicornis
Long-horned Patrobus Beetle
Patrobus longicornis is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. It is native to North America and occurs in both Canada and the United States. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823 under the basionym Feronia longicornis. Like other members of the genus Patrobus, it inhabits moist terrestrial environments.
Patrobus septentrionis
Patrobus septentrionis is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, distributed across boreal and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The species occurs in Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. It belongs to the subfamily Patrobinae, a group associated with moist, often riparian or wetland habitats. Like other members of its genus, it is likely sensitive to soil disturbance and agricultural practices.
Pelmatellus
Pelmatellus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by Henry Walter Bates in 1882. The genus contains at least 20 described species and is the type genus of the tribe Pelmatellini within the subfamily Harpalinae. As with other ground beetles, species in this genus are likely predatory, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pelmatellus obtusus
Pelmatellus obtusus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The genus Pelmatellus belongs to the carabid subfamily Harpalinae. Ground beetles in this family are predominantly predatory and occupy diverse terrestrial habitats. Specific ecological or behavioral details for P. obtusus remain undocumented in available sources.
Pelophila
Pelophila is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Nebriinae, and tribe Pelophilini. The genus contains two described species: Pelophila borealis (Paykull, 1790) and Pelophila rudis (LeConte, 1863). Members of this genus are associated with northern and montane habitats.
Pelophila borealis
boreal mud-loving beetle
Pelophila borealis is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Nebriinae, first described by Gustaf von Paykull in 1790. It is a small, shiny black beetle measuring 9.5–10.1 mm in length. The species has a Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern Eurasia and North America.
Pelophilini
Pelophilini is a small tribe of ground beetles (Carabidae) in the subfamily Nebriinae, established by Kavanaugh in 1996. The tribe contains a single genus, Pelophila, with species distributed in cool, moist habitats across the Northern Hemisphere. Members are characterized by adaptations to riparian and shoreline environments.
Pentagonica bicolor
Pentagonica bicolor is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Lebiinae and tribe Odacanthini. The species is known to occur in North America, with distribution records from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. Very little is documented about its specific biology, ecology, or behavior beyond basic taxonomic and distributional information.
Pentagonicini
Pentagonicini is a small tribe of ground beetles in the family Carabidae. It contains approximately 10 described species in at least one genus. Members of this tribe are part of the diverse ground beetle fauna found across various regions. The tribe is poorly documented in scientific literature compared to many other carabid tribes.
Pericalina
Pericalina is a subtribe of ground beetles (Carabidae: Lebiinae: Lebiini) comprising arboreal species distributed across tropical and subtropical forests of the New World and Asia. The subtribe includes several complexes distinguished by morphological characters of the mouthparts, pronotum, and ovipositor. New World eucheiloid members are characterized by securiform labial palpomere 3, serrate-setose pronotal margins, and flattened stylomere 2 of the ovipositor. Asian members such as Pericalus exhibit flattened body forms adapted for life under bark. The group has undergone significant diversification in tropical South America with subsequent northward dispersal into Central America and independent radiations in Asia.
Pericompsus ephippiatus
Pericompsus ephippiatus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1830. The species is distributed across North and Central America, with records from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. As a member of the Harpalinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of predominantly ground-dwelling beetles. Published observations of this species remain limited.
Perigona
Perigona is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising more than 170 described species. Members of this genus are distributed across multiple continents, with records from Europe, North America, and Africa. The genus is taxonomically complex, with numerous subgenera recognized including Cryptoperigona, Euripogena, Euryperigona, Neoperigona, Perigona, Perigonillus, Ripogena, Trechicus, Typhlonestra, Xenogona, and Xenogonilla.
Perigona nigriceps
Perigona nigriceps is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. It has been recorded across multiple continents, with confirmed observations in the Azores (Faial, Graciosa, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira) and historical captures in urban woodland habitats in Paris, France. The species was described by Dejean in 1831 and is currently accepted under that authorship, though it has also been attributed to Nietner (1858) in some sources.
Perigona pallipennis
Perigona pallipennis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, tribe Perigonini. The genus Perigona is characterized by small body size and association with leaf litter and ground habitats in tropical and subtropical regions. Species within Perigona are generally poorly studied, with limited published information on their biology. The specific epithet 'pallipennis' refers to pale wing characteristics.
Perigonini
Perigonini is a tribe of small ground beetles within the subfamily Lebiinae of Carabidae. The tribe contains four genera—Perigona, Diploharpus, Mizotrechus, and Ripogenites—and more than 200 described species. Members are primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The tribe was established by G.Horn in 1881.
Philodes flavilimbus
Philodes flavilimbus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1869. It is known from North America, with records from the United States. The species is recognized as insectivorous based on its placement within predatory ground beetles.
Philodes longulus
Philodes longulus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Dejean in 1829. It belongs to the genus Philodes, a group of carabid beetles distributed in the Western Hemisphere. The species exhibits complete metamorphosis (holometabolous development) and has a bilaterally symmetrical body plan. It has been recorded from the Caribbean region and North America, with 17 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Philodes rectangulus
Rectangular Harp Ground Beetle
Philodes rectangulus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Rectangular Harp Ground Beetle. It is native to North America, with records from both Canada and the United States. The species was originally described as Acupalpus rectangulus by Chaudoir in 1868 and later transferred to the genus Philodes. It belongs to the subfamily Harpalinae, a diverse group of ground beetles often associated with open habitats.
Philophuga
Philophuga is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by Motschulsky in 1859. The genus contains approximately five described species distributed in the Americas, including Philophuga viridis and Philophuga amoena. Members belong to the subfamily Lebiinae, tribe Lebiini. Species are primarily documented from North and Central America.
Philophuga caerulea
Philophuga caerulea is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1913. It occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Mexico and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Lebiinae, it belongs to a diverse group of often small, active predatory beetles. Specific ecological details and morphological traits for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Philophuga viridis
Green light-loving ground beetle
Philophuga viridis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species was described by Dejean in 1831 and includes four recognized subspecies. As a member of the Lebiinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory beetles commonly known as "light-loving ground beetles" due to their diurnal activity patterns.
Philophuga viridis amoena
Philophuga viridis amoena is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Originally described as Cymindis amoena by LeConte in 1846, it was later transferred to the genus Philophuga. This taxon belongs to the subfamily Lebiinae, a group of small, often colorful predatory beetles commonly known as colorful foliage ground beetles. As a member of the genus Philophuga, it is part of a group of beetles associated with vegetation and known for their active predatory habits.
Philophuga viridis horni
Philophuga viridis horni is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Chaudoir in 1877. It belongs to the genus Philophuga within the tribe Lebiini, a group known for their predatory habits. As a member of the subfamily Lebiinae, this taxon represents part of a diverse radiation of carabid beetles. The specific epithet "viridis" suggests green coloration, while the subspecific name "horni" honors the American entomologist George Henry Horn.
Phloeoxena signata
Phloeoxena signata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Records indicate this species occurs in Central America and parts of North America, with confirmed observations from Mexico through Panama. As a member of Carabidae, it likely exhibits typical ground beetle characteristics including predatory habits and terrestrial lifestyle, though specific behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Phrypeus
Phrypeus is a monotypic genus of ground beetles (Carabidae: Trechinae: Sinozolini) containing the single species Phrypeus rickseckeri. The genus was described by Casey in 1924 and is considered taxonomically isolated within the supertribe Trechitae. Its phylogenetic relationships remain obscure; larval morphology studies have failed to link it definitively with any other tribe. The first-instar larva has been described and illustrated.
Phrypeus rickseckeri
Phrypeus rickseckeri is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described as Bembidion rickseckeri by Hayward in 1897. It is a member of the tribe Sinozolini within the subfamily Trechinae. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Available information is limited, with only five observations documented on iNaturalist.