Cave-beetle
Guides
Anillinus alleni
Anillinus alleni is a minute ground beetle species described in 2017 from the southeastern United States. As a member of the tribe Anillina within Carabidae, it belongs to a group of extremely small, eyeless or nearly eyeless beetles adapted to subterranean or deep soil habitats. The genus Anillinus comprises numerous species with limited distributions, many described only in recent decades as taxonomic attention has focused on this previously overlooked fauna.
Anillinus barberi
Anillinus barberi is a small carabid beetle in the tribe Bembidiini, described by Jeannel in 1963. It belongs to a genus of minute ground beetles characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated appendages adapted for subterranean life. The species is known from the United States and is part of a poorly studied group of beetles with limited published ecological data.
Anillinus choestoea
Anillinus choestoea is a small, eyeless ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas C. Barr in 1962. It belongs to a genus of anilline beetles characterized by reduced eyes or complete anophthalmia, elongated bodies, and subterranean habits. The species is known from cave and deep soil habitats in the Appalachian region of the eastern United States. Like other members of Anillinus, it exhibits morphological adaptations for life in darkness, including depigmentation and elongated appendages.
Anillinus dentatus
Anillinus dentatus is a species of minute ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Members of the genus Anillinus are eyeless, subterranean beetles adapted to life in soil and cave environments. The specific epithet "dentatus" refers to toothed characteristics, likely of the mandibles or elytral margins. These beetles are part of the diverse North American cave beetle fauna, with species in this genus primarily distributed in the eastern and central United States.
Anillinus jancae
Anillinus jancae is a small, eyeless ground beetle in the tribe Bembidiini. It was described by Thomas C. Barr in 1995 based on specimens from Kentucky. The species belongs to a genus of minute carabids adapted to subterranean or deep soil habitats. Like other Anillinus species, it exhibits troglomorphic traits including reduced pigmentation and vestigial eyes.
Arianops unicoi
Arianops unicoi is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Barr in 1974. The specific epithet 'unicoi' references the Unicoi Mountains, part of the southern Appalachian range in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. As a member of the subfamily Pselaphinae, it belongs to a diverse group of small rove beetles typically associated with forest floor habitats. The species is known from a restricted geographic range in the southeastern United States.
Batrisodes texanus
Coffin Cave mold beetle, Inner Space Caverns mold beetle
Batrisodes texanus is a minute troglobitic beetle endemic to caves in Williamson County, Texas. This eyeless species measures only 2.60–2.88 mm and inhabits the unique microenvironment of cave systems, where it feeds on organic matter such as mold and detritus. The species is federally listed as endangered due to its extremely restricted range and vulnerability to habitat disturbance. It belongs to the diverse rove beetle family Staphylinidae, specifically the subfamily Pselaphinae, which contains many cave-adapted species.
Catopocerus
Catopocerus is a genus of small beetles in the family Leiodidae, subfamily Catopocerinae. These beetles are primarily subterranean or cave-dwelling, with reduced eyes and elongated appendages adapted to dark environments. The genus was established by Motschulsky in 1870 and contains species distributed across parts of North America and Eurasia. Members of this genus are among the most troglomorphic beetles in their family.
Catopocerus appalachianus
Catopocerus appalachianus is a small beetle species in the family Leiodidae, subfamily Catopocerinae. It was described by Peck in 1975 and is endemic to the Appalachian region of the eastern United States. The species belongs to a genus characterized by reduced eyes and subterranean or cave-associated habits. Records indicate it has been collected from Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Darlingtonea
Darlingtonea is a monotypic genus of cave-dwelling ground beetles (Carabidae) containing a single species, D. kentuckensis. This trechine beetle is endemic to eastern Kentucky's karst cave systems, where it functions as a top terrestrial predator specialized for high-humidity subterranean environments. The genus exhibits extreme physiological specialization, with narrow humidity tolerance identified as a critical vulnerability to climate change.
Darlingtonea kentuckensis
A troglobitic cave beetle endemic to eastern Kentucky karst systems. Adults measure 7.3–7.7 mm. The species exhibits surprisingly broad thermal tolerance (threshold ~20–24°C, mortality at 30°C within 24 hours), suggesting remnant physiological characteristics from epigean ancestors. However, it shows extreme specialization for constant high-humidity environments, with survival declining dramatically below 100% relative humidity and mortality within 3 days at 50–80% RH. Population densities can exceed 100 individuals per sand bank in suitable cave habitats.
Eleodes
pinacate beetles, desert stink beetles
Eleodes is the largest genus of darkling beetles in North America, comprising approximately 200 species. These beetles are endemic to western North America, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico, with some species introduced to Colombia. Commonly known as pinacate beetles or desert stink beetles, they are flightless due to fused elytra and vestigial hindwings. All species possess chemical defense glands that produce quinone compounds, and many exhibit distinctive head-standing behavior when threatened. The genus shows remarkable ecological diversity, with species occupying deserts, forests, grasslands, and caves.
Glacicavicola
Western Blind Cave Beetle
Glacicavicola is a genus of troglobitic (cave-dwelling) beetles in the family Leiodidae, endemic to caves in the western United States. The genus contains at least one described species, G. bathyscioides, which is completely eyeless and adapted to cold, humid cave environments with ice formations. These beetles exhibit specialized morphological adaptations for subterranean life, including elongated antennae and legs covered in fine setae for navigating difficult terrain.
Glacicavicola bathyscioides
Idaho Ice Cave Beetle, Western Blind Cave Beetle
Glacicavicola bathyscioides is a small, eyeless cave beetle endemic to ice caves in the western United States. It exhibits classic troglobitic adaptations including complete blindness, elongated appendages with sensory setae, and a distinctive false physogastric abdomen. The species has been documented in lava tube ice caves in Idaho and a limestone cave in Wyoming, where it inhabits humid, cold environments with ice formations. Its life cycle is poorly understood, with no larval forms observed and an estimated three-year lifespan.
Haideoporus
Haideoporus is a monotypic genus of diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, subfamily Hydroporinae. The genus contains a single species, Haideoporus texanus, described by Young & Longley in 1976. The species is a North American endemic stygobiont, meaning it is restricted to subterranean aquatic habitats. Larval morphology has been described, showing adaptations to hypogaeic (subterranean) life.
Horologion
Horologion is one of the rarest and most enigmatic carabid beetle genera, containing two known species of troglomorphic ground beetles endemic to the middle Appalachian Mountains. The genus remained monotypic for over 60 years after its description in 1932, with a second species discovered in Virginia in 1991 and described in 2024. Phylogenetic analysis places Horologion in supertribe Trechitae as sister to the Gondwanan tribe Bembidarenini, making tribe Horologionini a relict lineage with no close relatives in the Northern Hemisphere.
Horologion hubbardi
Horologion hubbardi is a newly described species of carabid beetle from Bath County, Virginia. It represents only the second known species in the genus Horologion, which was previously known solely from a single holotype collected in West Virginia in 1931. DNA sequence data and morphological analysis place the genus in the supertribe Trechitae, as sister to the Gondwanan tribe Bembidarenini. The species is considered a relict lineage with no close relatives known in the Northern Hemisphere.
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.
Neaphaenops tellkampfi tellkampfi
Neaphaenops tellkampfi tellkampfi is a troglobitic ground beetle that inhabits deep sandy cave environments. This subspecies reaches high population densities where cricket eggs represent the sole viable prey resource. Laboratory studies demonstrate specialized foraging behavior involving excavation of substrate to locate buried eggs, with greater foraging efficiency than the related subspecies N. t. meridionalis.
Neaphaenops tellkampfii
Neaphaenops tellkampfii is a predaceous troglobitic ground beetle endemic to cave systems in North America. The species exhibits distinct ecological adaptations across its range, with two recognized subspecies occupying different subterranean environments: N. t. tellkampfii in sandy deep caves and N. t. meridionalis in wet muddy caves. These subspecies demonstrate divergent foraging specializations, with the nominate form adapted to locate buried cricket eggs and the southern form better suited to capture enchytraeid worms. Adults show seasonal activity patterns and recruitment timing linked to food availability.
Necrophilus
Necrophilus is a genus of primitive carrion beetles in the family Agyrtidae, established by Latreille in 1829. The genus contains at least three described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. These beetles are associated with decaying organic matter and represent one of the more basal lineages within the staphylinoid beetles. They are often referred to as flat brown scavenger beetles or small scavenger beetles in common usage.
Prespelea
Prespelea is a genus of minute rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. These beetles are troglobitic, meaning they are specialized for life in cave environments. The genus was established by O. Park in 1953 and is classified within the tribe Speleobamini. Members of this genus are eyeless and exhibit morphological adaptations to subterranean habitats.
Pseudanophthalmus
Pseudanophthalmus is a genus of small carabid beetles comprising over 200 described species, all obligate cave dwellers restricted to karst regions of the eastern United States. Species exhibit extreme short-range endemism, often confined to single caves or cave systems. The genus forms part of the Trechoblemus complex within the tribe Trechini. Many species are rare or potentially extinct due to habitat restriction and anthropogenic threats.
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 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 robustus
Pseudanophthalmus robustus is a species of small carabid beetle in the tribe Trechini, first described by Valentine in 1931. The genus Pseudanophthalmus comprises eyeless or nearly eyeless ground beetles, many of which are troglobitic (cave-dwelling) species. This species is endemic to the United States, with distribution records limited to North America. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits subterranean environments including caves and deep soil habitats.
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.
Ptomaphagus
Ptomaphagus is a genus of small carrion beetles in the family Leiodidae, containing at least 50 described species. Many species are obligately cavernicolous (troglobitic), restricted to cave systems in North America and Eurasia. The genus has been extensively studied as a model system for understanding cave adaptation, speciation, and evolutionary biology. Some species show advanced reproductive isolation, with hybridization experiments demonstrating reduced fecundity and viability between distinct populations.
Rhadine
Rhadine is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae: Platyninae) described by LeConte in 1846. Many species are troglobitic, restricted to cave habitats in North America, particularly in Texas. Several species, including R. exilis and R. infernalis, are federally listed as endangered due to their restricted ranges and vulnerability to habitat disturbance. The genus is named after a figure from Greek mythology.
Rhadine austinica
Rhadine austinica is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Barr in 1974. It belongs to the genus Rhadine, which includes several cave-dwelling species found in North America. The genus is notable for containing endangered species that inhabit karst cave systems in Texas.
Rhadine babcocki
Rhadine babcocki is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is part of a genus containing cave-dwelling species found in North America. The genus Rhadine includes several federally listed endangered species that inhabit cave systems in central Texas.
Rhadine caudata
Rhadine caudata is a brachypterous (flightless) ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863 as Platynus caudatus and later transferred to Rhadine. The species is considered globally Vulnerable by NatureServe, Imperiled in Alabama, and Vulnerable in Virginia. It is widely distributed across the eastern United States but is rare throughout its range, with low dispersal capability.
Rhadine dissecta
Rhadine dissecta is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Rhadine, it is a cave-associated beetle. The species was described by LeConte in 1863.
Rhadine howdeni
Rhadine howdeni is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Barr and Lawrence in 1960. It is found in North America, with distribution records from the United States. Like other members of the genus Rhadine, it is likely associated with subterranean or cave habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The genus Rhadine includes several federally endangered cave-dwelling species that serve as important indicators of cave ecosystem health.
Rhadine infernalis
Rhadine infernalis is a troglobitic ground beetle endemic to Bexar County, Texas, where it occupies karst caves and mesocaverns. It is one of nine federally endangered karst invertebrates from this region, listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2000. The species has the widest known distribution among these endangered invertebrates, having been documented in 39 caves across five karst fauna regions. Two named subspecies exist: R. i. infernalis and R. i. ewersi.
Rhadine jejuna
Rhadine jejuna is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America. The genus Rhadine includes several cave-dwelling species that are highly specialized for subterranean environments.
Rhadine lanei
Rhadine lanei is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by B.Gray in 1937. It belongs to the genus Rhadine, which contains multiple cave-dwelling species found in Texas. The genus includes several federally endangered species that are ecologically dependent on cave cricket populations.
Rhadine ozarkensis
Rhadine ozarkensis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Sanderson and Miller in 1941. It is the second species of the genus Rhadine recorded from caves, discovered in the Ozark region. The species possesses morphological adaptations typical of cave-dwelling carabids, including an elongated body and head.
Siettitiina
Siettitiina is a subtribe of diving beetles (family Dytiscidae) established by Smrz in 1982. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae and tribe Hydroporini. The group includes the genus Iberoporus, which contains the first known stygobiont beetle species from Portugal, Iberoporus pluto, discovered in 2019. Members of this subtribe are associated with subterranean and groundwater habitats.
Speleobama
Speleobama is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It was described by Orlando Park in 1951 and is the type genus of the tribe Speleobamini. Members of this genus are associated with cave habitats, as indicated by the genus name derived from 'speleo-' (cave) and 'bama' (a suffix used in related genera). The genus contains multiple described species found in North America.
Speleobama vana
Speleobama vana is a species of rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) described by Orlando Park in 1951. The genus name Speleobama, combining Greek 'speleo' (cave) and 'bama' (step/walk), indicates an association with cave habitats. The species is known from Alabama, USA, and belongs to the tribe Speleobamini within the diverse Pselaphinae subfamily, which contains many small, cryptic beetles often associated with leaf litter, soil, and subterranean environments.
Texamaurops
Texamaurops is a genus of small rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) established by Barr & Steeves in 1963. The genus contains at least one described species, Texamaurops reddelli, commonly known as the Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle. Members of this genus are associated with cave environments and belong to the diverse tribe Batrisini within the ant-loving beetle subfamily Pselaphinae.
Texamaurops reddelli
Kretschmarr Cave Mold Beetle
Texamaurops reddelli is a small, eyeless cave-dwelling beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It is known from a single cave system in Texas and is one of the most narrowly distributed cave beetles in North America. The species was described in 1963 and is considered vulnerable due to its restricted range and habitat specificity. Like other pselaphine beetles, it likely feeds on fungal hyphae and organic detritus in humid cave microhabitats.
Troglomethes leechi
false soldier beetle
Troglomethes leechi is a species of false soldier beetle in the family Omethidae. The species was described by Wittmer in 1970 and is known from North America. Members of the genus Troglomethes are associated with subterranean or cave-like habitats.
Tychobythinus
Tychobythinus is a genus of small rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae (Staphylinidae). The genus is widely distributed across the Palearctic region, including North Africa, southern and Central Europe, the Caucasus, Japan, far eastern Russia, and southeastern China. Several species exhibit troglobitic adaptations, including reduced pigmentation, microphthalmia, winglessness, and elongated appendages. The genus contains at least 44 species and subspecies in Italy alone, with ongoing taxonomic revisions clarifying species boundaries and synonymies.
Typhlusechus singularis
Typhlusechus singularis is a species of darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) described by Linell in 1897. The genus Typhlusechus contains few described species and is characterized by reduced or absent eyes, an adaptation associated with subterranean or cave-dwelling habits. This species is part of a group of tenebrionids that have evolved morphological specializations for life in darkness, including elongated appendages and depigmentation. Records indicate extremely limited observation data, with only 4 documented observations in iNaturalist.
Xenotrechus condei
Northern Xenotrechus Cave Beetle
Xenotrechus condei is a cave-dwelling ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Trechinae. It is one of several species in the genus Xenotrechus, a group specialized for subterranean habitats. The species was described in 1967 from specimens collected in the United States. It represents a lineage of beetles that have adapted to permanent darkness and associated cave conditions.