Carabidae
Guides
Physea
Physea is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) established by Brullé in 1835. It belongs to the subfamily Paussinae and tribe Ozaenini, a group known for specialized morphological adaptations. The genus contains five described species distributed in the Americas. Members of Ozaenini, including Physea, are often associated with ant colonies or termite nests, though specific ecological details for Physea remain poorly documented.
Physea hirta
Physea hirta is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the subfamily Paussinae, a group that includes many ant-associated beetles. The species has been recorded from Central America and North America, specifically from Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Piosoma
Piosoma is a monotypic genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, containing the single species Piosoma setosum. The genus was established by LeConte in 1847 and is classified within the tribe Harpalini. It is endemic to North America.
Piosoma setosum
Piosoma setosum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, notable as the sole member of its monotypic genus. First described by LeConte in 1847, this beetle occurs in North America. The genus name derives from Greek, reflecting its distinctive setose (bristly) characteristics. Despite its taxonomic uniqueness, detailed biological information remains limited.
Plagiostira albonotata
white-marked shieldback
Plagiostira albonotata, commonly known as the white-marked shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a large, robust katydid found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive white markings on its body. Observations indicate activity during summer months in desert and semi-desert habitats.
shield-backed-katydidOrthopteraTettigoniidaedesertsouthwestern-United-Statesnocturnalbrachypterouskatydidinsectarid-habitatyucca-associationsummer-activitywhite-markingslarge-body-sizePlagiostiriniTettigoniinaeNew-MexicoArizonaUtahwest-Texassand-dunesdesert-scrubcrepuscularlimited-flightScudder-1876Plagiostira-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldbackEnsiferaTettigoniideaTettigonioideaHexapodaArthropodaInsectaAnimaliaEukaryotaMetazoagrasshoppers,-crickets-&-katydidsPlagiostira28-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBI-TaxonomyWikipediaBeetles-In-The-Bush2018-New-Mexico/Texas-Insect-Collecting-TripTed-C.-MacRaeJeff-HuetherJune-2–9,-2018southeastern-New-MexicoMescalero-Sand-DunesKermit,-TexasHwy-380San-AntonioBinghamSandia-MountainsWalking-Sands-Rest-AreaValley-of-Fire-National-Recreation-AreaSierra-Blanca-MountainsSunset,-New-MexicoHobbs,-New-MexicoKermit-Sand-DunesI-10-Rest-AreaFabens,-TexasCarlsbad,-New-MexicoLoco-Hills,-New-MexicoCarrizozo,-New-MexicoBingham,-New-MexicoSocorro,-New-MexicoThe-BoxyuccaProsopis-glandulosamesquiteOpuntia-imbricatachollaJuniperus-monospermajuniperSapindus-drummondiisoapberryAcacia-greggiicatclaw-acaciaAcacia-rigidablack-acaciaThelespermaDaleaPenstemonRobiniaCeltisGaillardiaOenetheraBaccharisSphaeralceaEphedraCacamacactus-dodger-cicadaTragidion-armatumPrionus-arenariusPrionus-palparisPrionus-integerPolyphyllaMoneilemacactus-beetleGyascutusAcmaeoderaChrysobothrisAgrilusEnoclerusActenodesParatyndarisAcmaeoderopsisBrachysNeoclytusCleridaeCerambycidaeBuprestidaeScarabaeidaeCarabidaeTenebrionidaeMeloidaeCoreidaePompilidaetarantula-hawkCicindelidaeCylindera-lemniscatatiger-beetleLycaenidaeBrephidium-exiliswestern-pygmy-blueEchinargus-isolaReakirt's-blueshieldbackdesert-insectnocturnal-insectbrachypterous-insectsummer-insectarid-land-insectyucca-associated-insectNew-Mexico-insectArizona-insectUtah-insectTexas-insectsouthwestern-US-insectNorth-American-insectNearctic-insectTettigoniidae-insectOrthoptera-insectEnsifera-insectTettigoniinae-insectPlagiostirini-insectPlagiostira-insectP.-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldback-katydidgiant-katydidlarge-katydiddesert-katydidsand-dune-katydidyucca-katydidnocturnal-katydidbrachypterous-katydidsummer-katydidScudder's-katydid1876-katydidOrthopterankatydid-speciesshieldback-speciesTettigoniidae-speciesPlagiostira-speciesdesert-speciesarid-speciesnocturnal-speciesbrachypterous-speciessummer-speciesNew-Mexico-speciesArizona-speciesUtah-speciesTexas-speciessouthwestern-US-speciesNorth-American-speciesNearctic-speciesPlatidiolus
Platidiolus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by Chaudoir in 1878. The genus contains five described species, four of which are endemic to Russia and one to North America. Species were described between 1878 and 2001.
Platidiolus vandykei
Platidiolus vandykei is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was described by Kurnakov in 1960. The species is known from North America, with distribution records from Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. As a member of the subfamily Patrobinae, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized ground beetles typically associated with riparian and moist habitats.
Platynini
Platynini is a large tribe of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising at least 190 genera and approximately 3000 described species. Members occupy diverse habitats including temperate forests, alpine zones, wetlands, and subterranean environments. Several genera contain highly modified cave-adapted (troglobitic) species with reduced eyes and elongated appendages. The tribe has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Platynus
Platynus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae containing over 180 described species. Species in this genus are primarily nocturnal predators with well-developed olfactory capabilities. The genus has been extensively studied in ecotoxicological research due to its role as a beneficial predatory insect in agricultural ecosystems. Several species have been used as model organisms to assess sublethal effects of insecticides on non-target beneficial arthropods.
Platynus cazieri
Platynus cazieri is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Liebherr and Will in 1996. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Dyscolus cazieri in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing classification revisions within the Platynini tribe. It occurs in Central America and North America, with confirmed records from the United States.
Platynus cincticollis
Platynus cincticollis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species is distinguished by two reddish spots on the head. It is native to North America, with documented records from both Canada and the United States.
Platynus daviesi
Platynus daviesi is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the genus Platynus, a group of nocturnal, predatory beetles. The species is known from North America. Information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Platynus hypolithos
Platynus hypolithos is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to the genus Platynus, a group of predatory beetles within the subfamily Platyninae. The species occurs in North America, with documented records from both Canada and the United States.
Platynus lyratus
Platynus lyratus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1879. The species is distributed across North America, with records from the United States and Mexico. As a member of the genus Platynus, it belongs to a group of ground beetles characterized by their elongated body form and association with forest floor habitats. Available records indicate it is a rarely encountered species, with limited observational data.
Platynus mannerheimii
Platynus mannerheimii is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, distributed across boreal and arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It belongs to a large genus of predominantly forest-dwelling carabids characterized by elongated bodies and long legs adapted for running. The species was described by Dejean in 1828 and is named after the Finnish entomologist Carl Gustaf Mannerheim.
Platynus megalops
Platynus megalops is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was originally described by Bates in 1882. Current taxonomic consensus treats this name as a synonym of Dyscolus megalops. The species has been recorded from Mexico and the United States.
Platynus ovatulus
Platynus ovatulus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, originally described by Bates in 1884. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Dyscolus ovatulus in some taxonomic databases. It occurs in North America, with documented records from Mexico and the United States. As a member of Platynini, it belongs to a group of predominantly nocturnal ground beetles.
Platynus parmarginatus
Platynus parmarginatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Hamilton in 1893. It belongs to the subfamily Platyninae, a group of predominantly nocturnal predatory beetles. The species is documented from the United States within North America. Like other Platynus species, it is likely a generalist predator inhabiting forest floor environments.
Platypatrobus lacustris
Platypatrobus lacustris is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Patrobinae. First described by Darlington in 1938, this species is one of only two recognized species in the genus Platypatrobus. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including an elongated, somewhat flattened body form and modified tarsal structures. The species epithet "lacustris" suggests an association with lake or lakeshore habitats. Records indicate presence in Canada and the United States, though specific habitat details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Plochionus
Plochionus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by Dejean in 1821. The genus contains approximately 18 described species. Members are classified within the subfamily Lebiinae and tribe Lebiini. At least one species, P. timidus, has been documented as a predator of agricultural pest insects in North American wetland and orchard systems.
Poecilus
Greenclock Ground Beetles
Poecilus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 144 species distributed across the Afro-tropical region, Palearctic (including Europe), the Near East, North Africa, and North America. Species within this genus are frequently encountered in agricultural landscapes, where they contribute significantly to epigeal (ground-dwelling) arthropod communities. Multiple species often occur sympatrically, exhibiting spatial partitioning within habitats. The genus has been extensively studied as a bioindicator of agricultural practices and environmental disturbance due to its sensitivity to soil management techniques and pesticide exposure.
Poecilus chalcites
Poecilus chalcites is a predaceous ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly found in agricultural systems and croplands across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The species is recognized for its role as a biological control agent, feeding on multiple crop pests including corn rootworm, corn earworm, and cutworm species. Sexual dimorphism in foretarsus shape allows straightforward sex identification: males possess a heart-shaped proximal foretarsus, while females have a thinner structure. Laboratory rearing studies have established protocols for maintaining colonies, though laboratory-reared adults typically fail to reproduce.
Poecilus cyanicolor
Poecilus cyanicolor is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1876. It belongs to the genus Poecilus, a group of small to medium-sized carabid beetles commonly found in agricultural and open habitats. The species has been documented in North America and Middle America, though specific ecological studies appear limited compared to congeners such as Poecilus chalcites.
Poecilus diplophryus
Poecilus diplophryus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1876. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized carabid beetles commonly found in agricultural and open habitats. The species has been documented in North and Middle America, with records from the United States. Like other Poecilus species, it is likely a ground-dwelling predator sensitive to soil disturbance regimes.
Poecilus laetulus
Poecilus laetulus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it is a soil-dwelling predator associated with agricultural and open habitats. The species is rarely recorded, with only three observations documented on iNaturalist.
Poecilus lucublandus
Woodland Ground Beetle
Poecilus lucublandus is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. It is one of several Poecilus species found in woodland and forested habitats. The species has been documented in studies examining the effects of agricultural practices on beneficial ground beetle populations, where it serves as a useful indicator of environmental disturbance. Two subspecies are recognized: P. l. lucublandus and P. l. manhattanis.
Poecilus scitulus
woodland ground beetle
Poecilus scitulus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the genus Poecilus, a group of predatory beetles commonly found in agricultural and woodland habitats. The species has been documented in Central America and North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a ground-dwelling predator, though specific ecological details remain limited in published sources.
Pogonodaptus
Pogonodaptus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, tribe Stenolophini. The genus was established by G. Horn in 1881 and contains two described species: Pogonodaptus mexicanus (Bates, 1878) and Pogonodaptus rostratus Darlington, 1935. Members of this genus occur in the Neotropical region.
Pogonodaptus mexicanus
Pogonodaptus mexicanus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Bates in 1878. It is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the tribe Stenolophini, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized carabid beetles often associated with open, disturbed habitats. The genus Pogonodaptus is not well-documented in published literature, and specific biological details for this species remain limited.
Pogonus
Pogonus is a genus of ground beetles (family Carabidae) comprising over 50 described species with a worldwide distribution. The genus is classified within the tribe Pogonini and subfamily Trechinae. At least one species, Pogonus chalceus, has been studied for genetic differentiation and local adaptation in salt-marsh environments. The genus shows genetic population structure across geographic regions, with evidence of adaptive divergence between habitats.
Pogonus texanus
Pogonus texanus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1868. It is found in North America, with records from the United States. As a member of the genus Pogonus, it belongs to a group of carabid beetles typically associated with wetland and riparian habitats. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Polpochila
Polpochila is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, tribe Stenolophini. The genus contains approximately 24 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. It was established by Solier in 1849. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized carabid beetles.
Polpochila capitata
Polpochila capitata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was originally described as Melanotus capitatus by Chaudoir in 1852 and later transferred to the genus Polpochila. The species is known from North America, with records from Mexico and the United States. As a member of Carabidae, it belongs to a large family of predatory beetles commonly found in terrestrial habitats.
Polyderidius
Polyderidius is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, tribe Bembidiini. It was described by Jeannel in 1962. Members of this genus are part of the diverse tachyine lineage, which includes many small, fast-running beetles. The genus appears to be poorly studied, with limited published information on its species composition and biology.
Polyderis
Polyderis is a subgenus of ground beetles within the genus Tachys, family Carabidae. Established by Motschulsky in 1862, it is classified within the tribe Bembidiini and subtribe Tachyina. The subgenus is part of a diverse group of small carabid beetles.
Polyderis laeva
Polyderis laeva is a small ground beetle (Carabidae) currently treated as a junior synonym of Tachys laevus. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1823 from North American material. Like other members of the tribe Bembidiini, it belongs to a diverse group of minute carabids often associated with moist microhabitats. The genus Polyderis is now generally subsumed within Tachys, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision in this challenging group.
Porotachys bisulcatus
Porotachys bisulcatus is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Nicolai in 1822. It belongs to the tribe Bembidiini, a diverse group of predominantly small carabids often associated with riparian and moist habitats. The species has a notably broad distribution spanning multiple continents, including North America, Europe, Africa, and temperate Asia. Its wide geographic range suggests either strong dispersal capabilities or a generalist ecological profile.
Promecognathus
Promecognathus is a genus of ground beetles comprising two described species, P. laevissimus and P. crassus. These beetles are specialist predators of cyanide-producing flat-backed millipedes in the family Xystodesmidae. They possess exceptional physiological tolerance to hydrogen cyanide, surviving doses 7–15 times greater than those lethal to other carabid beetles. This tolerance allows them to attack millipedes directly without behavioral avoidance of chemical defenses, representing the first documented case of cyanide tolerance in predatory insects.
Pseudamara
Pseudamara is a monotypic genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) established by Lindroth in 1968. The genus contains a single species, Pseudamara arenaria, a small carabid beetle in the tribe Zabrini. It is known from limited records in the northeastern United States.
Pseudamara arenaria
Pseudamara arenaria is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, tribe Zabrini. It is recorded from Canada and the United States. The specific epithet "arenaria" suggests a possible association with sandy habitats, though this has not been confirmed by direct observation. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Pseudanophthalmus cerberus
Pseudanophthalmus cerberus is a species of small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas C. Barr in 1985. It belongs to a genus of troglobitic (cave-dwelling) beetles found in eastern North America. The specific epithet 'cerberus' references the multi-headed guardian of the underworld in Greek mythology, alluding to the species' subterranean habitat.
Pseudanophthalmus cerberus cerberus
Pseudanophthalmus cerberus cerberus is a subspecies of troglobitic ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to a genus of small, eyeless beetles adapted to life in caves. The subspecies was described by Barr in 1985 and is currently accepted as valid. Like other members of Pseudanophthalmus, it is likely restricted to subterranean habitats in the eastern United States.
Pseudanophthalmus cerberus completus
Pseudanophthalmus cerberus completus is a subspecies of small carabid beetle described by Barr in 1985. It belongs to the genus Pseudanophthalmus, a group of troglobitic (cave-dwelling) ground beetles endemic to North America. The subspecies epithet "completus" indicates it represents a fully differentiated form within the P. cerberus species complex. Like other members of this genus, it is likely restricted to subterranean habitats in the eastern United States.
Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani
Hoffman's Cave Beetle
Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani, known as Hoffman's cave beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is endemic to Virginia, United States. The species belongs to a genus of troglobitic beetles specialized for subterranean environments.
Pseudanophthalmus holsingeri
Holsinger's Cave Beetle
Pseudanophthalmus holsingeri, known as Holsinger's Cave Beetle, is a troglobitic ground beetle endemic to Virginia, United States. The species was described by Thomas C. Barr in 1965. As a member of the genus Pseudanophthalmus, it is adapted to subterranean cave environments.
Pseudanophthalmus nelsoni
Nelson's Cave Beetle
Pseudanophthalmus nelsoni is a small, eyeless ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Described by Barr in 1965, this troglobitic species inhabits cave systems in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits adaptations to subterranean life including reduced or absent eyes and pale coloration. The species is named in honor of an individual associated with its discovery or study.
Pseudanophthalmus pusio
Ellett Valley Cave Beetle
Pseudanophthalmus pusio is a troglobitic ground beetle endemic to cave systems in the eastern United States. First described by George Henry Horn in 1869, it belongs to a genus of eyeless, pigmentless beetles specialized for subterranean life. The species is known from limited localities in Virginia and represents one of many narrow-range endemics within this genus. Its common name references Ellett Valley in Montgomery County, Virginia, where the type locality is situated.
Pseudanophthalmus tenuis
Blue River cave beetle
Pseudanophthalmus tenuis is a small, eyeless ground beetle endemic to karst cave systems in Indiana, United States. Formerly considered to contain multiple subspecies, these have been elevated to full species status under Pseudanophthalmus stricticollis. The species is part of a genus specialized for subterranean life, with reduced visual structures and elongated appendages adapted to darkness.
Pseudaptinus lecontei
Pseudaptinus lecontei is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America, with records from the United States. The species was originally described as Diaphorus lecontei by Dejean in 1831. As a member of Carabidae, it belongs to a diverse family of predatory beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Pseudaptinus tenuicollis
Pseudaptinus tenuicollis is a ground beetle species described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. It belongs to the tribe Harpalini within the large family Carabidae. The species is distributed across parts of North and Central America, with records from the United States and Mexico. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported.