Coleoptera

  • A metallic green tiger beetle at the bottom of an orange plastic jar.
    Tiger beetles are some of the most charismatic insects on Earth: metallic, sharp-eyed, absurdly fast, and every bit as predatory as their name suggests. Come learn how they hunt, why their larvae live like tiny trapdoor monsters in the soil, and what their decline says about the fragile open habitats many other species need too.

Guides

  • Bradycellus conformis

    Conforming Harp Ground Beetle

    Bradycellus conformis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Conforming Harp Ground Beetle. It occurs in North America, with records from both Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Bradycellus, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized carabid beetles often associated with open, disturbed, or sandy habitats. The species was described by Fall in 1905.

  • Bradycellus congener

    Congeneric Harp Ground Beetle

    Bradycellus congener is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1847. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized carabid beetles commonly referred to as harp ground beetles. The species is distributed across North America, with records from both Canada and the United States. Like other members of Bradycellus, it is likely associated with open, dry habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.

  • Bradycellus decorus

    Bradycellus decorus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1914. The species is known from the United States, with records indicating presence in North America. As a member of Bradycellus, it belongs to a genus of small carabid beetles typically associated with ground-dwelling habits in various terrestrial habitats.

  • Bradycellus fenderi

    Bradycellus fenderi is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Hatch in 1951. The species is known from the United States, with distribution records indicating presence in North America. As a member of the genus Bradycellus, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized carabid beetles commonly found in various terrestrial habitats.

  • Bradycellus neglectus

    Mackinac Island Harp Ground Beetle

    Bradycellus neglectus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, known by the common name Mackinac Island Harp Ground Beetle. The species was described by LeConte in 1847. It occurs in North America, with distribution records from Canada and the United States. The species is represented by few observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underrecorded.

  • Bradycellus politus

    Shiny Harp Ground Beetle

    Bradycellus politus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Fall in 1905. Known commonly as the Shiny Harp Ground Beetle, this species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The genus Bradycellus comprises small to medium-sized ground beetles typically associated with open, dry habitats. Information on the specific biology of B. politus remains limited in published literature.

  • Bradycellus veronianus

    Bradycellus veronianus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1924. It belongs to the genus Bradycellus, a group of small to medium-sized carabid beetles commonly found in North America. The species is documented from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited.

  • Bradycinetulus fossatus

    fossate bolboceratine, fossate earth-boring dung beetle

    Bradycinetulus fossatus is a large, robust bolboceratine geotrupid beetle found in sand dune and sandy grassland habitats of the south-central United States. The species is characterized by its chunky body form and fossorial (burrowing) adaptations typical of the subfamily. It is attracted to lights at night and has been documented in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. The species is part of a small genus of North American bolboceratines that are poorly studied relative to their ecological role in sandy ecosystems.

  • Bradycinetulus rex

    earth-boring scarab beetle

    Bradycinetulus rex is an earth-boring scarab beetle described by Cartwright in 1953. It belongs to the family Geotrupidae, a group commonly known as earth-boring dung beetles for their habit of digging burrows in soil. The species is known from the Nearctic region, with records from Texas. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the fossorial (burrowing) habits characteristic of the family.

  • Bradyrhynchoides constrictus

    broad-nosed weevil

    Bradyrhynchoides constrictus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It was described by Pierce in 1913. The species is known from North America, with confirmed distribution records from Texas. As a member of the subfamily Entiminae, it possesses the characteristic short, broad rostrum typical of this group.

  • Branchus whiteheadi

    Branchus whiteheadi is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Steiner in 1991. It belongs to the genus Branchus, which is part of the speciose family Tenebrionidae within the order Coleoptera. The species is known from extremely limited occurrence records, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist as of the available data.

  • Brassicogethes aeneus dauricus

    Brassicogethes aeneus dauricus is a subspecies of pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae. The nominate form, B. aeneus, is a significant agricultural pest of oilseed rape and other Brassicaceae crops across Europe and Asia. The subspecies dauricus is associated with the Daurian region of Transbaikalia in eastern Russia. Like other members of the genus, it is likely adapted to temperate climates with phenology tied to flowering periods of its host plants.

  • Brassicogethes viridescens

    pollen beetle

    A small pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae with a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Africa, Europe, northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Like other members of its family, it is associated with flowers and pollen-feeding habits, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.

  • Brathinus nitidus

    ocellate rove beetle

    Brathinus nitidus is a small rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, described by J.L. LeConte in 1852. It belongs to the subfamily Omaliinae and is characterized by the presence of ocelli—simple eyes in addition to the compound eyes—hence its common name 'ocellate rove beetle'. The species is native to eastern North America, with documented occurrences in both the United States and Canada.

  • Brentidae

    straight-snouted weevils, primitive weevils

    Brentidae is a cosmopolitan family of weevils distinguished by their straight (non-elbowed) antennae and elongated, often flattened bodies. The family has undergone significant taxonomic expansion, now encompassing approximately 4,000 species across six subfamilies including groups formerly classified in Curculionidae (Apioninae, Cyladinae, Nanophyinae) and the previously separate family Ithycerinae. Members are primarily xylophagous, with larvae feeding on fungi in dead wood. The family exhibits its greatest diversity in tropical regions but extends into temperate zones worldwide.

  • Brentinae

    straight-snouted weevils, primitive weevils

    Brentinae is a subfamily of primitive weevils in the family Brentidae, commonly called straight-snouted weevils. Members are distinguished from true weevils (Curculionidae) by their straight, elongated rostrum rather than a geniculate (elbowed) snout. The subfamily contains at least 90 genera and 520 described species, with extreme sexual dimorphism in rostrum and mandible structure observed in some species. The type genus Brentus was used by Gustaf Johan Billberg to establish both the subfamily and family in 1820.

  • Brontinae

    Brontinae is a subfamily of beetles in the family Silvanidae, established by Blanchard in 1845. These beetles are part of the superfamily Cucujoidea, a diverse group of small to medium-sized beetles often associated with stored products, decaying plant matter, or fungal habitats. The subfamily contains multiple genera and is primarily distinguished by morphological features of the head and antennae. Brontinae species are found across various regions but are not as extensively studied as some other silvanid groups.

  • Bruchinae

    Pea and Bean Weevils, Seed Beetles, Bean Weevils

    Bruchinae is a subfamily of small beetles within Chrysomelidae, historically treated as a separate family (Bruchidae). Adults are typically 1.5–10 mm in length. Larvae develop entirely within seeds of legumes and other plants, completing their life cycle without leaving the host seed. The subfamily includes approximately 1,350 species worldwide. Many species are significant agricultural pests of stored legumes, with some introduced outside their native ranges through international trade.

  • Brumoides histrio

    Lepine Lady Beetle

    Brumoides histrio is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the Lepine Lady Beetle. Adults measure 2.75–4.0 mm in length. The species is native to North America, with documented records from Utah to Arizona and southern California. Its color pattern resembles that of the related species Brumoides septentrionis.

  • Brumoides septentrionis

    Winter Lady Beetle

    Brumoides septentrionis is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to North America. Adults measure approximately 2.9–3 mm in length. The species exhibits distinctive coloration with black markings on a yellowish-brown to red elytral background. It is known by the common name 'Winter Lady Beetle' and comprises three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic ranges across North America.

  • Brumus

    Brumus is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) established by Mulsant in 1850. The genus contains approximately 10 described species distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Species in this genus are generally small to medium-sized coccinellids with somewhat elongated body forms compared to the more rounded typical lady beetles.

  • Brychius

    crawling water beetles

    Brychius is a genus of small aquatic beetles in the family Haliplidae, commonly known as crawling water beetles. The genus comprises five recognized species distributed across parts of Europe and North America. One species, Brychius hungerfordi, is federally endangered in the United States. Members of this genus inhabit freshwater environments and are associated with aquatic vegetation.

  • Bryelmis idahoensis

    riffle beetle

    Bryelmis idahoensis is a species of riffle beetle in the family Elmidae, described by Barr in 2011. Riffle beetles are aquatic insects that inhabit fast-flowing streams and rivers. The species is known from North America, with its specific epithet suggesting a connection to Idaho. As with other members of Elmidae, it likely has an aquatic larval stage and a partially aquatic adult stage, though specific biological details for this species remain undocumented in available sources.

  • Buprestidae

    Jewel Beetles, Metallic Wood-Boring Beetles

    Buprestidae is a large family of beetles comprising approximately 15,000 described species in 775 genera, commonly known as jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles. Adults are renowned for their brilliant iridescent coloration produced by structural coloration rather than pigments. Larvae, called flatheaded borers, develop in wood and plant tissues, with many species associated with dying or dead trees. Some species are serious forest pests, notably the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), while others are attracted to burned forests and can detect infrared radiation and smoke from distances up to 50 miles.

  • Buprestinae

    jewel beetles, metallic wood-boring beetles

    Buprestinae is a subfamily of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) comprising approximately 1,500+ species worldwide. The subfamily contains five recognized tribes: Anthaxiini, Buprestini, Chrysobothrini, Melanophilini, and Xenorhipidini. Members are characterized by their brilliant metallic coloration and sculptured bodies. Adults are primarily phytophagous, with many species visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Larvae are predominantly wood-borers, though some exhibit leaf-mining habits in tropical regions. Several species are significant forestry pests or invasive species.

  • Buprestini

    metallic wood-boring beetles

    Buprestini is a tribe of metallic wood-boring beetles within the family Buprestidae, established by Leach in 1815. The tribe contains approximately eight genera organized into four subtribes: Agaeocerina, Buprestina, Lamprocheilina, and Trachykelina. Notable genera include Buprestis (the type genus), Eurythyrea, Trachykele, and Lamprocheila. Members exhibit the characteristic metallic coloration and wood-boring larval habits typical of the family.

  • Buprestis connexa

    Buprestis connexa is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America. The species was described by Horn in 1875. Like other members of the genus Buprestis, it exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration typical of jewel beetles. The species occurs within the Nearctic realm and has been documented through limited observation records.

  • Buprestis decora

    Buprestis decora is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Fabricius in 1775 and is recognized as a valid taxon. It is distributed across the Caribbean Sea region and North America, with records spanning Nearctic, Neotropical, and Palearctic biogeographic realms. As a member of the genus Buprestis, it belongs to one of the most visually striking genera of jewel beetles, though specific details about its biology and appearance remain poorly documented in available sources.

  • Buprestis lyrata

    pink-faced jewel beetle

    Buprestis lyrata is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Thomas L. Casey in 1909. It is found in the Nearctic region, primarily in western North America including Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. Adults are known to frequent freshly dead conifers, particularly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), where they can be found on trunks and branches. The species is part of the diverse genus Buprestis, which contains many colorful and sought-after jewel beetles among collectors.

  • Buprestis maculativentris

    ventrally spotted buprestid, spotted-belly buprestid beetle

    Buprestis maculativentris is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is native to North America, with documented occurrences in Canada (Alberta, British Columbia) and the United States. The species is characterized by ventral spotting on the abdomen, as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other members of the genus Buprestis, it exhibits the brilliant metallic coloration typical of jewel beetles.

  • Buprestis maculipennis

    Buprestis maculipennis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Gory in 1841. The species is native to North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Nova Scotia) and the United States. It is one of several species in the genus Buprestis known for brilliant metallic coloration. The species includes three recognized subspecies: B. m. deficiens, B. m. fusiformis, and B. m. maculipennis.

  • Buprestoidea

    jewel beetles, metallic wood-boring beetles

    Buprestoidea is a superfamily of beetles comprising two families: Buprestidae (jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles) and Schizopodidae. The group is characterized by species with often brilliant metallic coloration and includes over 15,000 described species worldwide, with Buprestidae containing the vast majority. Members are primarily xylophagous as larvae, developing in wood or plant stems.

  • Byrrhinae

    pill beetles

    Byrrhinae is a subfamily of pill beetles within the family Byrrhidae, established by Latreille in 1804. The subfamily comprises approximately 25 genera and at least 160 described species. Members are small, compact beetles with a characteristic rounded, pill-like body form that enables conglobation—rolling into a ball when disturbed. Byrrhinae represents the more species-rich of the two subfamilies in Byrrhidae.

  • Byrrhodes

    death-watch beetles, spider beetles

    Byrrhodes is a genus of small beetles in the family Ptinidae, commonly referred to as death-watch and spider beetles. The genus contains approximately 14 described species. These beetles are typically associated with dry organic materials and wood products. Taxonomic placement has varied, with some sources historically placing the genus in Anobiidae.

  • Byrrhodes intermedius

    Byrrhodes intermedius is a small beetle species in the family Ptinidae, first described by LeConte in 1878. It belongs to a genus of wood-boring beetles commonly known as deathwatch beetles or furniture beetles. The species has been recorded from eastern North America, with confirmed observations in Nova Scotia and Québec.

  • Byrrhus americanus

    pill beetle

    Byrrhus americanus is a species of pill beetle in the family Byrrhidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. Pill beetles in this family are characterized by their rounded, compact body form that allows them to curl into a ball when disturbed—a defensive behavior that gives the group its common name. The species is recorded from North America with specific locality records from Canadian provinces including Labrador, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.

  • Byrrhus concolor

    Two-colored Pill Beetle

    Byrrhus concolor is a species of pill beetle in the family Byrrhidae, a group of small beetles known for their ability to roll into a compact ball when disturbed. The species occurs in northern North America, with records from Canada including Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory, and the Northwest Territories. The common name "Two-colored Pill Beetle" suggests distinctive coloration, though specific details of this pattern are not well documented in available sources. Pill beetles in this family are typically associated with mossy or damp habitats.

  • Byrrhus cyclophorus

    Ringed Pill Beetle

    Byrrhus cyclophorus is a species of pill beetle in the family Byrrhidae, commonly known as the Ringed Pill Beetle. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada including Alberta, Manitoba, and Labrador. As a member of Byrrhidae, it shares the family characteristic of rolling into a compact pill-like shape when disturbed.

  • Byturidae

    fruitworms, fruitworm beetles

    Byturidae is a small family of cleroid beetles comprising over 15 described species in two subfamilies. The family is primarily distributed in the Holarctic region and Southeast Asia. Larvae of some genera, particularly Byturus, are significant agricultural pests of Rubus fruits (raspberries and blackberries), while others feed on catkins. Adults feed on developing leaves, flowers, and pollen. The family includes two subfamilies: Platydascillinae (Southeast Asia) and Byturinae (Holarctic).

  • Byturus unicolor

    raspberry fruitworm, western raspberry fruitworm, fruitworm beetle

    Byturus unicolor is a small fruitworm beetle in the family Byturidae. Adults measure 4–5 mm and are yellowish-brown in color. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It is commonly known as the raspberry fruitworm due to its association with raspberry plants.

  • Caccoleptus

    Caccoleptus is a genus of small beetles in the family Dermestidae, first described by Sharp in 1902. The genus contains six described species distributed in the Neotropical region, with records from Colombia. Members of this genus are among the lesser-known dermestid beetles, with limited biological data available.

  • Caccoplectus

    Caccoplectus is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus was established by Sharp in 1887 and contains approximately nine described species. These beetles are associated with ant colonies, a common ecological strategy among pselaphine beetles. Most species have been described from the Neotropical region, particularly Central America.

  • Cactophagus spinolae validus

    Cactophagus spinolae validus is a subspecies of weevil in the family Curculionidae. It belongs to a genus associated with cactus-feeding habits, though specific documentation for this subspecies is limited. The genus Cactophagus contains species known to develop in cactus tissues, with some species considered pests of cultivated cacti.

  • Cadiz

    Cadiz is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Andrews and Gilbert in 1992. The genus is distinguished by its placement within the diverse leaf beetle family, which contains numerous species associated with herbivory on vascular plants. Information regarding the specific morphology, species diversity, and ecological preferences of Cadiz remains limited in available literature.

  • Caecossonus

    Caecossonus is a genus of true weevils (family Curculionidae) established in 1955 by E.E. Gilbert. The genus contains three described species: C. continuus, C. dentipes, and C. sylvaticus. Two species were described by Howden in 1992, while the type species C. dentipes was described by Gilbert in 1955. The genus name suggests a connection to caecum or blind-ending structures, possibly referring to morphological features of the weevils.

  • Caenia

    Caenia is a genus of net-winged beetles in the family Lycidae, established by Newman in 1838. The genus contains at least three described species, including Caenia amplicornis and Caenia dimidiata. Members of this genus share the characteristic reticulated wing venation that defines the family Lycidae. The genus is part of a diverse group of beetles known for their aposematic coloration and soft, flexible elytra.

  • Caenoscelis basalis

    silken fungus beetle

    Caenoscelis basalis is a species of silken fungus beetle in the family Cryptophagidae. It was described by Casey in 1900. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada including Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. As a member of Cryptophagidae, it is associated with fungal environments, though specific ecological details remain limited.

  • Caenoscelis ferruginea

    Caenoscelis ferruginea is a species of silken fungus beetle in the family Cryptophagidae. It is distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. As a member of Cryptophagidae, it is associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.

  • Caerosternus

    Caerosternus is a small genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by J.L. LeConte in 1852. The genus contains a single described species, Caerosternus americanus. As a member of Histeridae, it belongs to the group of beetles commonly known as clown beetles or hister beetles.

  • Cainosternum imbricatum

    Cainosternum imbricatum is a small beetle species in the family Leiodidae, first described by Notman in 1921. It belongs to a genus of beetles associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats. The species is known from limited collection records in the eastern United States. As with many Leiodidae, it likely inhabits moist, decomposing substrates, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.