Carabidae
Guides
Calleida platynoides
Calleida platynoides is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1882. The genus Calleida comprises approximately 100 species distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with this species representing one of the North American members. Like other carabid beetles, it is a predatory insect. The species has been documented from both the United States and Mexico.
Calleida punctata
Calleida punctata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is distributed across North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. As a member of the genus Calleida, it belongs to a group of colorful, often metallic ground beetles sometimes referred to as 'searchers.' The species is documented in citizen science platforms with numerous observation records, suggesting it is regularly encountered in appropriate habitats.
Calleida punctulata
Calleida punctulata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1848. It is found in North America, with distribution records from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. The species belongs to the genus Calleida, a group of small to medium-sized predatory beetles. Available information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Calleida purpurea
Calleida purpurea is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, distributed across North America. It belongs to the genus Calleida, a group of often colorful predatory beetles. The specific epithet "purpurea" suggests a purple coloration, though detailed documentation of this species remains limited in available sources.
Calleidina
Calleidina is a subtribe of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by Chaudoir in 1873. It is currently treated as a synonym within the tribe Lebiini (subfamily Lebiinae). The subtribe historically grouped certain genera of small to medium-sized carabid beetles, though modern taxonomic revisions have reassigned its constituent taxa. As a synonym, it no longer represents a valid grouping in contemporary classifications but persists in older literature and databases.
Calosoma angulatum
angulate caterpillar hunter
Calosoma angulatum, commonly known as the angulate caterpillar hunter, is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae. First described by Chevrolat in 1834, this species ranges from the southwestern United States through Central America into northern South America. It inhabits premontane moist forests and oak-savannah ecosystems. Adults are known to prey on Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm), indicating a role as a predator of agricultural pest caterpillars.
Calosoma discors
different beautiful black searcher
Calosoma discors is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1857. This species is known from California and Washington, where it inhabits coastal grasslands and oak savannahs in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Adults are brachypterous, meaning they have reduced wings that limit flight capability.
Calosoma eremicola
solitary caterpillar hunter
Calosoma eremicola, the solitary caterpillar hunter, is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae. It was described by Fall in 1910 and is found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Baja California. The species inhabits the eastern Mojave Desert vegetation zone.
Calosoma frigidum
Cold-country Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma frigidum is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the cold-country caterpillar hunter. First described by William Kirby in 1837, this species occurs throughout southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults are nocturnal predators that climb trees to hunt caterpillars, hiding under debris during daylight hours. The species shows sensitivity to soil temperature changes, with elevated temperatures causing adults to abandon their burrows.
Calosoma lepidum
neat beautiful black searcher
Calosoma lepidum is a ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1844. Adults are sub-brachypterous, indicating reduced flight capability. The species inhabits open prairie habitats with short grass in the northern Great Plains and adjacent montane regions.
Calosoma luxatum
dislocated beautiful black searcher
Calosoma luxatum, commonly known as the dislocated beautiful black searcher, is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Adults are brachypterous, meaning they have reduced wings and are flightless. The species is distributed across western and central North America, from the Canadian prairies through the western United States. It inhabits open short grass prairies and dry forest clearings, where it hunts as an active predator.
Calosoma macrum
long caterpillar hunter
Calosoma macrum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the long caterpillar hunter. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it inhabits mid-elevation open areas. Adults are active predators that hunt caterpillars, including arboreal species.
Calosoma marginale
rimmed caterpillar hunter, Wrinkle-winged Calosoma
A large ground beetle in the genus Calosoma, commonly known as the rimmed caterpillar hunter. Adults are crepuscular and active predators that hunt caterpillars and scarabaeid beetles. The species occurs across a broad geographic range from Central America through the southern and central United States. Adults overwinter in the ground.
Calosoma moniliatum
collared beautiful black searcher
Calosoma moniliatum, commonly known as the collared beautiful black searcher, is a large predatory ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged and flightless). The species occurs in western North America, inhabiting short grass prairies and dry forests.
Calosoma monticola
mountain beautiful black searcher
Calosoma monticola is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1913. It is found in the western United States, where it inhabits sagebrush areas. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and have been documented preying on various soil-dwelling insect larvae and other beetles. The species belongs to a genus known for active predation on caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.
Calosoma prominens
projecting caterpillar hunter
Calosoma prominens is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the caterpillar hunter genus Calosoma, known for arboreal foraging behavior targeting caterpillar prey. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it inhabits arid scrublands dominated by acacia and cactus vegetation. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a voracious predator of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.
Calosoma scrutator
Fiery Searcher, Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma scrutator is a large, predatory ground beetle native to North America, commonly known as the Fiery Searcher or Caterpillar Hunter. Adults reach 25–35 mm in length and display striking metallic coloration. The species is primarily nocturnal and climbs vegetation to hunt caterpillars, earning its common name. When disturbed, it excretes a foul-smelling defensive oil from pygidial glands. It serves as an important biological control agent for defoliating insect pests.
Calosoma simplex
simple beautiful black searcher
Calosoma simplex is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. It belongs to the genus Calosoma, whose members are known for arboreal hunting behaviors and caterpillar predation. The species occurs in southwestern North America, including parts of the United States and Mexico. Like other Calosoma species, it likely functions as a predator of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.
Calosoma splendidum
Splendid Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma splendidum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Dejean in 1831. It is distributed across the Caribbean, southeastern United States, and Mexico. The species is notable for its metallic green to golden-green or light brown coloration and its absence of the red elytral border found in related species.
Calosoma sycophanta
forest caterpillar hunter, Agreeable Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma sycophanta is a large, metallic ground beetle renowned for its specialized predation on caterpillars. Adults reach 21–35 mm in length and display striking iridescent green elytra with a bluish scutellum, though coloration shifts with light angle to show blue, bronze, copper, gold, or black tones. Both adults and larvae are arboreal hunters, ascending trees to prey on caterpillars including Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth), Thaumetopoea processionea (oak processionary), and Thaumetopoea pityocampa. The species is diurnal and visually orients toward dark objects and tree bases in forests. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America for biological control and is now established in the northeastern United States.
Carabinae
ground beetles
Carabinae is a subfamily of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 1,400 described species across ten genera. The subfamily is divided into two tribes: Cychrini and Carabini, with the latter further subdivided into subtribes Carabina and Ceroglossina. Notable genera include Carabus, Calosoma, and Ceroglossus. The group has been extensively studied phylogenetically, with molecular data covering over 90% of carabid genera.
Carabus goryi
Gory's worm and slug hunter
Carabus goryi is a North American ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Gory's worm and slug hunter. The species inhabits cool, moist forests as well as agricultural settings including orchards and cultivated fields. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal, and exhibit gregarious behavior. They are predatory, feeding on soft-bodied insect larvae including those of the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar).
Carabus granulatus
Granulated Ground Beetle
Carabus granulatus is a small, winged ground beetle native to the Palearctic, ranging from Ireland to the Russian Far East, with introduced populations in North America. Adults measure 14–20 mm and exhibit metallic greenish-bronze, green, or occasionally black coloration with distinctive granulated elytra. Unlike most Carabus species, it has retained functional flight ability, though it primarily remains ground-dwelling. The species occupies diverse habitats including forests, fields, prairies, taiga, river margins, fens, lakeshores, and upland peat, occasionally occurring in gardens.
Carabus maeander maeander
Carabus maeander maeander is a subspecies of ground beetle described by Fischer von Waldheim in 1820. It belongs to the genus Carabus, one of the most species-rich genera of ground beetles. The subspecies occurs across a broad Holarctic range including parts of North America and Asia. As a member of the Carabidae family, it is presumed to be a predatory beetle based on the well-documented feeding ecology of the genus, though specific studies on this subspecies are limited.
Carabus sylvosus
woodland ground beetle, sylvan worm and slug hunter, silvan worm and slug hunter
Carabus sylvosus, commonly known as the woodland ground beetle or sylvan worm and slug hunter, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to North America, where it inhabits wooded environments including deciduous mixed forests, coniferous forests, and orchards. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, preying on Lepidoptera pupae and scarabaeids. The species has been documented in Canada and the United States.
Carabus taedatus
Gravel Ground Beetle
Carabus taedatus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, distributed across North America including Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. The species is part of the large genus Carabus, which contains approximately 1,000 described species. Four subspecies are recognized, including the nominate subspecies C. t. taedatus described by Fabricius in 1787. As a member of Carabidae, it likely functions as a generalist predator in terrestrial ecosystems.
Carabus taedatus agassii
Carabus taedatus agassii is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1850. It belongs to the genus Carabus, one of the most species-rich genera of ground beetles. The subspecies is distributed across northern North America including Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. As a member of the subgenus Tanaocarabus, it inhabits cool temperate to boreal environments.
Carabus truncaticollis
blunt-collared worm and slug hunter
Carabus truncaticollis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae distributed across the northern Holarctic. The species occurs in mesic tundra environments, including moist meadows. Multiple subspecies have been described, primarily from Russia and Mongolia. The common name 'blunt-collared worm and slug hunter' reflects its presumed predatory habits, though specific dietary documentation is limited.
Carabus vietinghoffii
Vietinghoff's worm and slug hunter
Carabus vietinghoffii is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae with a broad distribution spanning northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. The species occurs in boreal forest, sub-Arctic, and Arctic tundra habitats, where it has been documented as far north as 81°N latitude on Ellesmere Island. Research indicates this beetle is a predator, contributing to the high proportion of carnivorous beetles found in northern ecosystems. The species exhibits several recognized subspecies across its range, including C. v. vietinghoffii in North America and Alaska, and C. v. fulgidus and others in Russia and China.
Chlaenius
Vivid Metallic Ground Beetles
Chlaenius is a large and diverse genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 1,000 recognized species worldwide. The genus is most diverse in the Oriental and Afrotropical regions, though it also occurs extensively in the Palearctic, Near East, North Africa, and Nearctic realms. Members are commonly known as vivid metallic ground beetles due to their often striking metallic coloration. The genus is divided into numerous subgenera and includes species that serve as important biological indicators of soil health and agricultural practices.
Chlaenius alternatus
Chlaenius alternatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains approximately 1,000 species worldwide. The genus is native to multiple biogeographic realms including the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Nearctic regions. Chlaenius alternatus has been recorded from Alaska, Canada, and the United States.
Chlaenius caurinus
Chlaenius caurinus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. The genus Chlaenius comprises approximately 1,000 species worldwide, with the majority occurring in the Oriental and Afrotropical regions. This species was described by George Henry Horn in 1885. Members of the genus Chlaenius are known for their vivid metallic coloration and defensive chemical secretions.
Chlaenius chaudoiri
Chlaenius chaudoiri is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by G.Horn in 1876. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains roughly 1,000 species worldwide. As a member of this genus, it shares characteristics with other Chlaenius species, including a tendency toward vivid coloration and association with moist habitats. The species is recorded from the United States.
Chlaenius circumcinctus
Chlaenius circumcinctus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to North America, with records from the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. Like other members of the genus Chlaenius, it is likely a predatory beetle, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1830.
Chlaenius cordicollis
Heart-necked Chlaenius
Chlaenius cordicollis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains approximately 1,000 species worldwide. The species is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus, it is likely predatory, though specific ecological details for this species are limited in available sources.
Chlaenius cumatilis
Chlaenius cumatilis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. The species is native to North America, with documented occurrence in the United States. Like other members of the genus Chlaenius, it belongs to a large and diverse group of predatory beetles. The genus Chlaenius contains approximately 1,000 recognized species worldwide, with the majority occurring in the Oriental and Afrotropical regions.
Chlaenius emarginatus
Emarginate Chlaenius
Chlaenius emarginatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains approximately 1,000 species worldwide. Like other members of its genus, this beetle is likely predatory. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823.
Chlaenius erythropus
Chlaenius erythropus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, distributed across North America. The species belongs to a large and diverse genus native to multiple continents including the Palearctic, Near East, Africa, and Nearctic regions. Like other members of its genus, it is likely predatory, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented. The species has been the subject of taxonomic confusion, with some sources listing it as a synonym of Chlaenius nigricornis.
Chlaenius flaccidus
Chlaenius flaccidus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to North America and has been documented in the United States. As a member of the genus Chlaenius, it belongs to a diverse group of ground beetles often characterized by metallic coloration and predatory habits. The species was described by G.Horn in 1876. Available records indicate limited observation data, with only three documented observations in iNaturalist.
Chlaenius floridanus
Chlaenius floridanus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by G.Horn in 1876.
Chlaenius fuscicornis
Chlaenius fuscicornis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Dejean in 1831. The genus Chlaenius contains approximately 1,000 species worldwide, with the majority occurring in the Oriental and Afrotropical regions. Members of this genus are known for their often vivid metallic coloration and defensive chemical secretions.
Chlaenius glaucus
Chlaenius glaucus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1856. The species belongs to a large genus of predatory beetles commonly known as "vivid metallic ground beetles" for their characteristic coloration. Like other Chlaenius species, it is likely a ground-dwelling predator sensitive to soil disturbance and agricultural practices. The species has been documented in Mexico and the United States.
Chlaenius harpalinus
Chlaenius harpalinus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains approximately 1,000 species worldwide. The species is recorded from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a predator in soil and ground-level habitats.
Chlaenius impunctifrons
Chlaenius impunctifrons is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. It is a member of the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains roughly 1,000 species worldwide. The species has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Trimorus caraborum, which lays eggs inside the beetle's eggs. Like other ground beetles, it is likely predatory, though specific dietary details for this species are not well documented.
Chlaenius interruptus
Chlaenius interruptus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1876. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains approximately 1,000 species worldwide. The species is recorded from North America, specifically Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a predatory beetle associated with ground-level habitats.
Chlaenius leucoscelis
Chlaenius leucoscelis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chevrolat in 1835. The species belongs to the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains approximately 1,000 species worldwide. As a member of the subfamily Licininae, it shares characteristics with other Chlaenius species including metallic coloration and predatory habits. The species has been recorded from Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States.
Chlaenius leucoscelis monachus
Chlaenius leucoscelis monachus is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1851. It belongs to the genus Chlaenius, a diverse group of predatory beetles commonly known as vivid metallic ground beetles. The subspecies is part of the Chlaenius (Lithochlaenius) subgenus, a group characterized by distinctive coloration patterns. Like other carabids, it possesses the family-typical traits of exposed mandibles and thread-like antennae segments longer than wide.
Chlaenius maxillosus
Chlaenius maxillosus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1876. It belongs to a large and diverse genus containing approximately 1,000 species worldwide. The genus Chlaenius is native to multiple biogeographic regions including the Palearctic, Near East, North Africa, Afrotropical region, and Nearctic, with the majority of species occurring in the Oriental and Afrotropical regions. Chlaenius maxillosus has been recorded from the United States and North America.
Chlaenius nemoralis
vivid metallic ground beetle
Chlaenius nemoralis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. The genus Chlaenius comprises approximately 1,000 species worldwide, with this species occurring in Canada and the United States. Members of this genus are often referred to as "vivid metallic ground beetles" due to their characteristic metallic coloration. The species is part of a diverse group of carabid beetles that serve as important bioindicators of environmental health in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Chlaenius orbus
Chlaenius orbus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1871. The genus Chlaenius is large and diverse, with approximately 1,000 recognized species worldwide, predominantly in the Oriental and Afrotropical regions. Members of this genus are known for their often vivid metallic coloration and defensive chemical secretions. Chlaenius orbus is distributed in North America, specifically recorded from the United States and Mexico.