Carabidae
Guides
Pseudomorpha
Western False-form Beetles
Pseudomorpha is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Pseudomorphinae. The genus contains 35 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. Members are commonly known as Western False-form Beetles. The genus was established by William Kirby in 1823.
Pseudomorpha excrucians
Pseudomorpha excrucians is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by William Kirby in 1823. It belongs to the subfamily Pseudomorphinae, a group of carabid beetles whose members are often associated with ant colonies. The genus Pseudomorpha is restricted to the New World, and this species occurs in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits myrmecophilous (ant-associated) behavior, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Pseudomorphini
false-form beetles
Pseudomorphini is a tribe of ground beetles (Carabidae) distinguished by their evolutionary divergence from typical carabid body plans. Members are known for obligate associations with ants, living within ant colonies. The tribe includes the recently described Guyanemorpha spectabilis from French Guiana, which exhibits exceptional size and coloration compared to the generally dull-colored Western Hemisphere species. Research on these beetles remains challenging due to their arboreal ant-nest habitats.
Psydrus piceus
Psydrus piceus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Psydrinae. The genus Psydrus is a small group within Carabidae, and P. piceus represents one of the few described species in this genus. The species has been documented in North America, with records from both the United States and Canada.
Pterostichini
Woodland Ground Beetles
Pterostichini is a tribe of ground beetles in the subfamily Harpalinae, commonly known as woodland ground beetles. The tribe contains approximately 180 genera and over 3,800 described species, though estimates vary. Members are primarily ground-dwelling beetles with diverse ecological roles as predators. Research on certain genera, particularly Pterostichus, has revealed complex life history patterns including iteroparity, flexible breeding periods, and responses to environmental conditions such as drought.
Pterostichus
Blackclock Ground Beetles
Pterostichus is a large genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) in the subfamily Harpalinae, comprising over 1,200 species with a Holarctic distribution. These beetles are primarily predatory and are commonly found in ground-level habitats, often beneath rocks and debris. The genus exhibits considerable ecological diversity, with species showing varied substrate preferences ranging from sandy soils to subterranean environments.
Pterostichus adoxus
Pterostichus adoxus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly referred to as a woodland ground beetle. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The larvae are predatory, consistent with the general feeding ecology of many carabid beetles. The species was described by Thomas Broun in 1908.
Pterostichus adstrictus
Upland Blackclock
Pterostichus adstrictus is a cold-adapted ground beetle with a Holarctic-circumpolar distribution, occurring across subarctic and alpine regions of North America and Eurasia. In North America it ranges from the Bering Sea coast to Newfoundland and south to Pennsylvania, Indiana, South Dakota, New Mexico, and California's Sierra Nevada. European populations were historically known only from northern peripheries (Northern Ireland, Wales, Scandinavia) until discovery in the Austrian Alps, representing a glacial relict with arctic-alpine distribution. The species exhibits stenotopic habitat specificity and has been observed to form locally dense populations despite restricted geographic occurrence.
Pterostichus agonus
Pterostichus agonus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by G.H. Horn in 1880. The species exhibits a Holarctic distribution, occurring across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: P. a. agonus and P. a. averenskii. As a member of the genus Pterostichus, it belongs to a diverse group of woodland ground beetles characterized by their elongated body form and predatory habits.
Pterostichus amethystinus
Pterostichus amethystinus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Mannerheim in 1843. It belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, a diverse group of predatory beetles commonly known as woodland ground beetles. The species is distributed across northern North America including Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. As with other members of its genus, it is likely a nocturnal predator inhabiting forest floor habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Pterostichus angustus
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus angustus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. It is classified as a woodland ground beetle, indicating association with forested habitats. The species was originally described by Dejean in 1828 under the basionym Feronia angusta. Like other members of the genus Pterostichus, it is likely a nocturnal, predatory beetle, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pterostichus atratus
Pterostichus atratus is a woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species is sometimes classified in the genus Abacidus rather than Pterostichus, reflecting ongoing taxonomic uncertainty. It occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Canada. As a member of Carabidae, it is presumed to be a ground-dwelling, predatory beetle typical of forest habitats.
Pterostichus barri
Pterostichus barri is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Bousquet in 2006. It belongs to a large genus of woodland ground beetles found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. The species is known from North America, though detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Pterostichus barryorum
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus barryorum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Ball in 1962. It is one of many species within the large genus Pterostichus, which comprises numerous woodland-dwelling carabid beetles found across North America. The species is recorded from Alaska, Canada, and the United States.
Pterostichus brevicornis
Woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus brevicornis is a circumpolar ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subgenus Cryobius. It is one of the most abundant and widespread tundra beetles, occurring across Arctic and Subarctic regions from Newfoundland to the Kola Peninsula and Arctic Ocean islands. The species exhibits high genetic and morphological variability across its range, with 23 documented COI haplotypes. It is cold-adapted with a two-year life cycle involving summer breeding and winter hibernation of both adults and larvae.
Pterostichus caligans
Pterostichus caligans is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Horn in 1891. The species belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which comprises numerous predatory ground beetles distributed across North America. Very little specific information about this particular species has been documented in the available literature. Records indicate it occurs in the United States, though detailed biological studies appear to be lacking.
Pterostichus caribou
Pterostichus caribou is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Ball in 1962. It belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which contains numerous ground beetle species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. The species is recorded from North America and inhabits woodland environments. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a predatory beetle active on the ground surface.
Pterostichus caudicalis
Pterostichus caudicalis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is classified as a woodland ground beetle and occurs in North America, with distribution records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Pterostichus, it is a predatory beetle that inhabits forest floor environments. The species is part of the diverse Pterostichinae subfamily, which contains numerous ground-dwelling carabid beetles.
Pterostichus circulosus
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus circulosus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Lindroth in 1966. It belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which comprises numerous woodland-dwelling carabid beetles. The species is known from North America, with records from Alaska, Canada, and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits forest floor habitats where it functions as a generalist predator.
Pterostichus commutabilis
Pterostichus commutabilis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. First described by Motschulsky in 1866 under the basionym Loxandrus commutabilis, this beetle is classified as a woodland ground beetle. The species is known from distribution records in Canada and the United States.
Pterostichus congestus
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus congestus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America, particularly in Alaska and the northern United States. Like other members of the genus Pterostichus, it is a ground-dwelling beetle adapted to woodland habitats. The species was described by Ménétriés in 1843.
Pterostichus costatus
Pterostichus costatus is a woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It occurs across a broad holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species inhabits forested environments and is part of a large genus of ground beetles characterized by relatively robust body forms.
Pterostichus crenicollis
Pterostichus crenicollis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1873. It belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, one of the most diverse genera within the carabid subfamily Pterostichinae. The species is documented from North America, with records from Alaska, Canada, and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a ground-dwelling predator inhabiting woodland environments.
Pterostichus diana
Pterostichus diana is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by LaBonte in 2013. It belongs to the genus Pterostichus, a large and diverse group of predatory beetles commonly found in North American terrestrial habitats. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Pterostichus diligendus
Pterostichus diligendus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Chaudoir in 1868. It belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which contains numerous woodland-dwelling species. The species is documented from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a predatory beetle associated with forest floor habitats.
Pterostichus ebeninus
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus ebeninus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Dejean in 1828. It is classified as a woodland ground beetle and is found in North America, specifically in Canada and the United States. The species belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which contains numerous similar-looking ground beetle species that require careful examination for identification. Information on its specific biology and ecology remains limited.
Pterostichus empetricola
Pterostichus empetricola is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America including Alaska, Canada, and the United States. The species is part of the diverse genus Pterostichus, which contains numerous ground beetle species.
Pterostichus femoralis
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus femoralis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Pterostichus, it belongs to a large and diverse group of predatory ground beetles commonly associated with woodland habitats. Specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Pterostichus fuchsi
Pterostichus fuchsi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Schaeffer in 1910. The species belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which contains numerous predatory beetles distributed primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Available records indicate a North American distribution, specifically within the United States.
Pterostichus hypogeus
Pterostichus hypogeus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was described by Barr in 1971. The species is found in North America and is classified as a woodland ground beetle.
Pterostichus inanis
Pterostichus inanis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1891. It is classified within the large genus Pterostichus, one of the most diverse genera of carabid beetles in North America. The species is known from woodland habitats and has been documented in Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a predatory beetle active on the ground surface, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited.
Pterostichus inermis
Pterostichus inermis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Fall in 1901. It belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, a group of predatory beetles commonly found in North America. The species epithet 'inermis' (Latin for 'unarmed') suggests a lack of prominent defensive structures. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a nocturnal, ground-dwelling predator.
Pterostichus johnsoni
Johnson's Waterfall Carabid Beetle
Pterostichus johnsoni is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Ulke in 1889. The species is known from the United States and is associated with waterfall habitats, as indicated by its common name. Very few observations exist in public databases, with only three records documented on iNaturalist. The species belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which contains numerous similar ground beetles that can be difficult to distinguish without close examination.
Pterostichus kotzebuei
Pterostichus kotzebuei is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was described by Ball in 1962. The species is found in North America, with records from Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. Like other members of the genus Pterostichus, it is a woodland ground beetle.
Pterostichus lachrymosus
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus lachrymosus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described as Feronia lachrymosa by Newman in 1838. It is classified as a woodland ground beetle and occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. The species belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which comprises numerous ground beetle species distributed across the Holarctic region.
Pterostichus luctuosus
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus luctuosus is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada and the United States. The species was described by Desbrochers des Loges in 1906. As a member of the genus Pterostichus, it belongs to a diverse group of ground beetles commonly associated with forest and woodland habitats.
Pterostichus melanarius
Rain Beetle
Pterostichus melanarius, commonly known as the rain beetle, is a ground beetle native to Europe that has become established in North America following introduction in the 1920s. Adults are 12–18 mm long, black with straight elytral striations, and exhibit wing dimorphism with both flight-capable (macropterous) and flightless (brachypterous) morphs. The species is a generalist predator of invertebrates, with documented preference for slugs including the invasive gray garden slug Deroceras reticulatum. It occupies diverse habitats including forests, meadows, urban areas, and agricultural fields, and has been widely studied for its potential as a biological control agent.
Pterostichus menetriesii
Pterostichus menetriesii is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is endemic to North America, with records from the United States. The species belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which comprises numerous ground beetle species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere.
Pterostichus moestus
Pterostichus moestus is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to North America. The species belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which comprises numerous ground beetle species with predominantly nocturnal habits.
Pterostichus morionides
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus morionides is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Chaudoir in 1868. It is found in North America, where it inhabits woodland habitats. Like other members of the genus Pterostichus, it is a ground-dwelling beetle, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Pterostichus mutus
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus mutus is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. First described by Thomas Say in 1823, this beetle is found in North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the large genus Pterostichus, it inhabits woodland environments where it contributes to ground-dwelling beetle assemblages.
Pterostichus neobrunneus
Pterostichus neobrunneus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Carl Lindroth in 1966. It belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which contains numerous woodland-dwelling species. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a nocturnal predator inhabiting forest floor habitats.
Pterostichus nigrocaeruleus
Pterostichus nigrocaeruleus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Van Dyke in 1926. The species belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which comprises numerous nocturnal predatory beetles. It is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a generalist predator active in forested and terrestrial habitats.
Pterostichus novus
Pterostichus novus is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was described by Straneo in 1944. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Pterostichus, it belongs to a diverse group of ground beetles commonly associated with forested habitats.
Pterostichus palmi
Pterostichus palmi is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1910. It belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which contains numerous species of predatory beetles. The species is recorded from the United States, with distribution data indicating presence in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a nocturnal, ground-dwelling predator, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Pterostichus parasimilis
Pterostichus parasimilis is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Ball in 1962. It is distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Alaska, Canada, Russia, and the United States. Like other members of the genus Pterostichus, it is a ground-dwelling beetle typically associated with forest floor habitats.
Pterostichus patruelis
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus patruelis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species is classified as a woodland ground beetle, indicating its association with forested habitats. It is part of the large and diverse genus Pterostichus, which contains numerous ground beetle species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. The species was originally described by Dejean in 1831.
Pterostichus permundus
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus permundus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described by Say in 1830. It is classified as a woodland ground beetle and occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species was formerly placed in the genus Abacidus but is currently recognized under Pterostichus. As a member of the subfamily Pterostichinae, it belongs to a diverse group of carabid beetles often associated with forested habitats.
Pterostichus pinguedineus
Pterostichus pinguedineus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Eschscholtz in 1823. It belongs to the genus Pterostichus, one of the largest genera of carabid beetles. The species has a Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern regions of North America, Europe, and Northern Asia.
Pterostichus praetermissus
Pterostichus praetermissus is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was first described by Chaudoir in 1868 under the basionym Feronia praetermissa. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Pterostichus, it belongs to a diverse group of carabid beetles commonly known as ground beetles.