Coleoptera
- 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
Calandrinus insignis
Calandrinus insignis is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1892. The genus Calandrinus belongs to the superfamily Curculionoidea, the largest and most diverse group of beetles. As a member of Curculionidae, this species possesses the characteristic elongated rostrum (snout) with mouthparts at the tip that defines this family. The specific epithet "insignis" (Latin for "remarkable" or "distinguished") may refer to distinctive morphological features, though the original description has not been examined. Information on biology, ecology, and distribution of this species is extremely limited in available sources.
Caligodorus vandykei
Caligodorus vandykei is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. The species was described by Barret in 1931 and is known from California, USA. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized aphodiine scarabs associated with dung and decomposing organic matter.
Calitys scabra
Calitys scabra is a species of beetle in the family Trogossitidae, originally described by Thunberg in 1784 under the basionym Hispa scabra. It belongs to a small family of predatory beetles commonly known as bark-gnawing beetles. The species has a Holarctic distribution with confirmed records from several Canadian provinces.
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 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.
Calles
Calles is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by D.G. Kissinger in 1964. It belongs to the large and diverse group of true weevils, characterized by their distinctive elongated snouts. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records.
Calligrapha spiraeae
Ninebark Calligrapha Beetle
A leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae that is highly host-specific to ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius). The species was described by Say in 1826 based on specimens collected from ninebark, which was then classified under the genus Spiraea—hence the species epithet spiraeae. Adults are reddish with small black spots on the elytra and are readily found on their host plant throughout the growing season. The species is notable among Calligrapha for its strict monophagy, utilizing no other known host plant besides ninebark.
Callimoxys
blood-necked longhorn (for C. sanguinicollis)
Callimoxys is a genus of long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Stenopterini. The genus comprises eight extant species and one fossil species, distributed primarily in North America and Europe. Species are generally small to medium-sized cerambycids with slender bodies. The genus was established by Kraatz in 1863.
Callirhipidae
Callirhipid Cedar Beetles, Cedar Beetles
Callirhipidae is a family of elateriform beetles containing approximately 175 valid species in 10 genera. The family is distributed throughout low-latitude regions worldwide, with notable absence from tropical Africa and Madagascar. The only North American representative is Zenoa picea, found across the eastern and central United States. Larvae develop in decaying hardwood, particularly oak and hickory, with a two-year life cycle. Adults are generally nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Calochrominae
Calochrominae is a subfamily of net-winged beetles (family Lycidae) established by Lacordaire in 1857. The subfamily contains at least 4 genera and more than 30 described species, organized into two tribes: Calochromini and Slipinskiini. Members of this group share the characteristic elytra with net-like venation typical of Lycidae.
Calodera parviceps
Calodera parviceps is a species of rove beetle (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae. First described by Casey in 1893, this small beetle is distributed across northern North America including Canada and Alaska. It belongs to the tribe Oxypodini, a group of aleocharine rove beetles. The species epithet "parviceps" (small head) likely refers to a distinguishing morphological feature.
Calopus
Calopus is a genus of beetles in the family Oedemeridae, subfamily Calopodinae. It was established by Fabricius in 1775. The genus belongs to the superfamily Tenebrionoidea within the suborder Polyphaga of Coleoptera. Species in this genus are commonly known as false blister beetles, reflecting their family-level characteristics.
Calymmaderus nitidus
Calymmaderus nitidus is a species of beetle in the family Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae), first described by LeConte in 1865. It belongs to a genus of small wood-boring beetles commonly known as deathwatch beetles or furniture beetles. The species is known from North America with confirmed records from Canada, including Québec.
Calymmaderus punctulatus
Calymmaderus punctulatus is a small beetle species in the family Ptinidae (spider beetles and deathwatch beetles). The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1865. Records indicate a North American distribution. Like other members of its family, this species likely inhabits stored products, wood, or dry organic materials.
Calyptillus cryptops
Calyptillus cryptops is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae, described by George Henry Horn in 1876. It is native to the central United States. The genus Calyptillus belongs to the tribe Geonemini, a group of broad-nosed weevils.
Calyptomerus
Calyptomerus is a genus of minute beetles in the family Clambidae, established by Redtenbacher in 1847. The genus contains at least three described species: C. alpestris, C. dubius, and C. oblongulus. These beetles belong to the subfamily Calyptomerinae within the small family Clambidae, which is placed in the infraorder Clambiformia. Records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Camarotini
Camarotini is a tribe of weevils within the family Curculionidae, subfamily Curculioninae. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with palms (Arecaceae), with larvae typically developing in palm tissues. The tribe contains several genera of economic importance due to their impact on coconut and other palm crops.
Camptodes
Camptodes is a genus of small sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Erichson in 1843. The genus contains approximately nine described species distributed across multiple continents. Members are associated with fermenting plant sap and decaying organic matter.
Camptodes texanus
Glossy Tropical Sap Beetle
Camptodes texanus is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1904. The species occurs in North America and is known by the common name Glossy Tropical Sap Beetle. Like other members of Nitidulidae, it is associated with fermenting plant materials and fungal growths.
Canifa
false flower beetles
Canifa is a genus of false flower beetles in the family Scraptiidae, established by LeConte in 1866. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are small beetles associated with decaying plant material and fungi.
Canifa pallipes
Canifa pallipes is a species of false flower beetle in the family Scraptiidae. It is found in North America, with records from multiple Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. The species was first described by Melsheimer in 1846. As a member of Scraptiidae, it belongs to a family of small beetles commonly associated with decaying plant matter and fungi.
Cantharidae
Soldier Beetles, Leatherwings
Soldier beetles (Cantharidae) are soft-bodied, elongate beetles with flexible, velvety elytra that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' The family is cosmopolitan, with approximately 160 species in 11 genera occurring in California alone. Adults are frequently observed on flowers, particularly in late summer and fall, where they feed on pollen and nectar and prey on small insects. Both adults and larvae produce defensive chemicals from specialized glands, making them distasteful to predators. The common name derives from the red-and-black color pattern of some species, reminiscent of British military uniforms.
Cantharis
soldier beetle, leatherwing
Cantharis is a large genus of soldier beetles in the family Cantharidae. Members possess soft, flexible elytra that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' Both adults and larvae are partially carnivorous, preying on soft-bodied invertebrates, though adults may feed primarily on nectar, pollen, and honeydew. The genus is frequently encountered in meadows and agricultural settings where it contributes to natural pest control.
Cantharis transmarina scopa
Cantharis transmarina scopa is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by LeConte in 1866. As a member of the genus Cantharis, it belongs to a group commonly known as soldier beetles or leatherwings, recognized for their soft, flexible elytra and often contrasting color patterns. The subspecific epithet "scopa" refers to a brush-like structure, though its specific application to this taxon requires further investigation. Distribution records indicate presence in North America.
Caplothorax
sap beetles
Caplothorax is a genus of sap beetles in the family Nitidulidae. The genus comprises 11 described species distributed across North America and Europe. It was established by Kirejtshuk in 1997. GBIF lists Caplothorax as a synonym of Carpophilus, though iNaturalist maintains it as a valid genus with over 500 observations.
Caplothorax californicus
Caplothorax californicus is a species of beetle in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as sap beetles. The genus Caplothorax is a small and poorly studied group within this family. Very little published information exists regarding the biology, ecology, or distribution of this particular species. The specific epithet "californicus" indicates a type locality or primary association with California.
Caplothorax melanopterus
Yucca Beetle
Caplothorax melanopterus, commonly known as the Yucca Beetle, is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is associated with yucca plants, which provide both food and habitat. The species has been documented across arid regions of western North America. Its common name reflects this close ecological relationship with yucca.
Caplothorax sayi
Caplothorax sayi is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, a group commonly associated with fermenting plant materials and fungal substrates. The genus Caplothorax is relatively obscure, with limited published documentation. As of current records, this species has been documented through 16 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or underreported. No formal species-level description or ecological study has been identified in the provided sources.
Capraita scalaris
Capraita scalaris is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States. As a member of the tribe Alticini, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species is relatively poorly documented in the scientific literature compared to other flea beetles.
Capraita texana
Capraita texana is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Crotch in 1873. The species is recorded from North America, with observational data available from citizen science platforms. As a member of the flea beetle tribe Alticini, it likely possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of the group, though specific morphological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Carabidae
ground beetles
Carabidae is one of the largest families of beetles, comprising over 40,000 described species worldwide. Members are predominantly predatory, with elongated bodies, thread-like antennae, and prominent forward-directed mandibles. The family includes diverse forms from fast-running tiger beetles to flightless tyrant ground beetles, occupying nearly every terrestrial habitat. Many species serve as important biological control agents of agricultural pests.
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.
Carcinops corticis
Carcinops corticis is a species of hister beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Marseul in 1863. It belongs to a genus containing predatory beetles associated with decaying organic matter and animal waste environments. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. As with other Carcinops species, it likely functions as a predator of fly eggs and larvae in manure-rich habitats, though specific ecological data for this species is limited.
Carcinops opuntiae
clown beetle
Carcinops opuntiae is a species of histerid beetle in the family Histeridae, commonly known as clown beetles. It occurs in North America, with records from the southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Texas) and Mexico. The species epithet 'opuntiae' suggests an association with Opuntia cacti, though specific ecological relationships remain poorly documented. Like other histerids, adults are likely predatory, feeding on the eggs and larvae of other insects.
Carcinops tejonicus
Carcinops tejonicus is a hister beetle in the family Histeridae. The species is distributed in California, USA and Mexico. It has been recorded as present in both Middle America and North America.
Carcinops viridicollis
clown beetle
Carcinops viridicollis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Marseul in 1855. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States (Arizona), Mexico, and Guatemala. The specific epithet "viridicollis" (green-necked) suggests a distinctive coloration feature. As a member of the Histeridae family, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter.
Cardiophorus brevis
Cardiophorus brevis is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, subfamily Cardiophorinae. As a member of this diverse beetle family, it possesses the characteristic clicking mechanism used for righting itself when overturned. The genus Cardiophorus contains numerous species, many of which are associated with herbaceous vegetation and open habitats.
Cardiophorus edwardsi
Cardiophorus edwardsi is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, first described by Horn in 1871. As a member of the subfamily Cardiophorinae, it possesses the characteristic heart-shaped prosternal process that gives the genus its name. The species is documented from western North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia, Canada. Like other click beetles, it is capable of the 'clicking' mechanism that allows it to right itself when flipped onto its back.
Cardiophorus togatus
Texas Toga Click Beetle
Cardiophorus togatus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, occurring in eastern North America east of the Rocky Mountains. A lectotype was designated for this species as part of a 2002 revision of Cardiophorus species in the region. The species is known by the common name "Texas Toga Click Beetle" and has been documented in 44 iNaturalist observations. Like other click beetles, it possesses the family's characteristic prosternal spine and mesosternal groove mechanism that produces the clicking sound.
Carpelimus
spiny-legged rove beetles
Carpelimus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) containing at least 100 described species. Members are commonly referred to as spiny-legged rove beetles. The genus has a broad distribution spanning the Palearctic, Oriental, and other regions, with recent records documenting range extensions in Southeast Asia and South Asia. At least one species, Carpelimus rivularis, has been documented as a host for phoretic mites (Pygmephoridae).
Carpelimus dentiger
Carpelimus dentiger is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxytelinae. It is known from the southwestern United States (Arizona and New Mexico). As a member of Carpelimus, it likely inhabits moist, organic-rich environments near water or in decomposing materials, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Carpelimus obliquus
Carpelimus obliquus is a species of spiny-legged rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is native to North America, with records from California. The species was described by Thomas Casey in 1889 and is currently accepted under this name.
Carpelimus vancouverensis
spiny-legged rove beetle
Carpelimus vancouverensis is a species of spiny-legged rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Hatch in 1957. It belongs to a genus characterized by modified hind legs with spiny or setose structures. The species is known from the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
Carphacis effrenatus
Carphacis effrenatus is a species of rove beetle described by Herman in 2001. It belongs to the subfamily Mycetoporinae within the family Staphylinidae. The species has been recorded across eastern North America from Canada to the southeastern United States.
Carphoborus bicornis
Carphoborus bicornis is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Wood in 1986. The genus Carphoborus comprises bark beetles associated with coniferous trees. This species is recorded from North America. Very little published information exists regarding its specific biology or ecology.
bark-beetleweevilconifer-associatedNorth-AmericascolytinaeCurculionidaeColeopterainsectbeetleforest-pestwood-boring-beetleScolytiniCarphoborusbicornisWood-19861986provisionally-acceptedacceptedexact-matchAnimaliaArthropodaInsectaCarphoborus-bicornistaxonomyclassificationconiferforestwood-boringpesteukaryotahexapodapolyphagacucujiformiacurculionoideaCarphoborus simplex
crenulate bark beetle
Carphoborus simplex is a species of crenulate bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, first described by LeConte in 1876. The species is found in North America and Middle America. As a bark beetle, it is part of a group known for their association with woody plants, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Carpophilinae
Carpophilinae is a subfamily of sap beetles (Nitidulidae) comprising at least 70 described species across six genera: Amphicrossus, Aphenolia, Carpophilus, Caplothorax, Epuraea, Nitops, and Urophorus. Recent phylogenetic studies have reclassified the group, elevating Caplothorax to generic rank and confirming the monophyly of Nitops, Urophorus, and Caplothorax. The subfamily exhibits multiple independent origins of anthophily (flower-visiting behavior), a trait that has evolved convergently across lineages.
Carpophilus discoideus
Disk-shaped Sap Beetle
Carpophilus discoideus is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is found in North America. The species is one of approximately 40 species in the genus Carpophilus, which are commonly known as sap beetles or picnic beetles. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with fermenting or decaying plant material.
Carpophilus mutilatus
confused sap beetle, flower beetle
Carpophilus mutilatus is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as the confused sap beetle or flower beetle. The species has a broad distribution spanning Oceania, Europe, North America, and temperate Asia. As a member of the genus Carpophilus, it shares the family's characteristic association with fermenting plant materials and decaying vegetation.
Carpophilus pilosellus
Carpophilus pilosellus is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It has been established as a junior synonym of Carpophilus marginellus Motschulsky, 1858 based on examination of type specimens. The species belongs to a genus containing several agricultural pests, though specific biological details for C. pilosellus itself remain poorly documented.
