Forest-beetle
Guides
Alaus oculatus
Eastern Eyed Click Beetle, Eyed Elater
Alaus oculatus, commonly called the eastern eyed click beetle or eyed elater, is a large, striking click beetle native to eastern North America. Adults reach 25–45 mm in length and are immediately recognizable by the prominent false eyespots on their pronotum—large oval patches of dark scales framed in white that function in predator deterrence. The beetle possesses a remarkable clicking mechanism: a prosternal spine and mesosternal notch that, when flexed and released, produce an audible snap capable of launching the beetle several inches into the air. This behavior serves both defensive and righting functions. The larvae are predatory wireworms that inhabit decaying wood, feeding voraciously on other beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids.
Ampedus atripennis
Ampedus atripennis is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, first described by Horn in 1871. It belongs to the genus Ampedus, a diverse group of beetles commonly known as click beetles due to their ability to right themselves using a prosternal process. The species has been documented in British Columbia, Canada, with limited observational records available.
Ampedus nigricollis
Black-collared Click Beetle
Ampedus nigricollis is a click beetle species distinguished by its black pronotal collar contrasting against reddish-orange elytra. It occurs primarily in eastern North America, with substantial observational records from the Canadian Maritimes and Ontario. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae develop in decaying wood, though specific life history details for this species remain incompletely documented.
Anostirus exclamationis
Anostirus exclamationis is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The genus Anostirus belongs to the subfamily Dendrometrinae (formerly considered part of Athoinae or related lineages). Click beetles are characterized by their ability to 'click' and jump using a prosternal spine that engages with a mesosternal groove. Species in this genus are typically associated with forested habitats and decaying wood, though specific ecological details for A. exclamationis remain poorly documented.
Anthaxia dichroa
Anthaxia dichroa is a metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Bílý in 1991. It is found in North America and has been documented in ethanol-only bait traps in Illinois, where it occurs alongside related Anthaxia species. The genus Anthaxia includes species associated with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) and other woody hosts, though specific host relationships for A. dichroa remain unconfirmed.
Astylopsis sexguttata
Six-speckled Long-horned Beetle
Astylopsis sexguttata is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, first described by Thomas Say in 1827. It is commonly known as the Six-speckled Long-horned Beetle. The species is associated with coniferous trees, particularly pines, where larvae bore into dead or dying wood. Adults are active during warmer months and can be found in forested habitats across eastern North America.
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.
Chalcophora liberta
northeastern sculptured pine borer, smaller flat-headed pine borer
Chalcophora liberta is one of five North American species in the genus Chalcophora, commonly known as sculptured pine borers. It is among the largest jewel beetles in eastern North America, characterized by its metallic coloration and heavily sculptured exosurface. The species is strictly associated with pine trees (Pinus spp.) and is one of four eastern species in the genus, distinguished from congeners by specific morphological features including coloration and male genitalia structure.
Cibdelis blaschkei
Cibdelis blaschkei is a North American darkling beetle in the subfamily Stenochiinae. The immature stages were first described in 2014, revealing distinctive defensive structures and saproxylic ecology. The species inhabits forested regions of California, where larvae develop in soft rotten dry wood of dead branches. Both larvae and pupae possess urogomphi—abdominal armature that can be raised and curved forward as antipredator defenses. The complete life cycle has been documented through rearing adults from pupae with associated larval exuvia.
Dacnini
Dacnini is a tribe of pleasing fungus beetles (family Erotylidae) established by Gistel in 1848. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with fungal substrates and exhibit morphological adaptations for this ecological niche. The tribe is part of the subfamily Erotylinae and represents a distinct lineage within the diverse Erotylidae family. Dacnini species are primarily found in forested habitats where fungal resources are abundant.
Dendrophilus kiteleyi
clown beetle
Dendrophilus kiteleyi is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Bousquet & Laplante in 1999. It is a small predatory beetle found in forested regions of North America. The species belongs to a genus associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Dendrophilus punctatus
clown beetle
Dendrophilus punctatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: Dendrophilus punctatus punctatus and Dendrophilus punctatus championi. Like other histerid beetles, it is likely associated with decomposing organic matter and forested habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Dromaeolus badius
Dromaeolus badius is a species of click beetle in the family Eucnemidae. The species was described by Melsheimer in 1845. It has been recorded in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec. As a member of Eucnemidae, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly known as false click beetles, which are typically associated with decaying wood and forest habitats.
Dromaeolus cylindricollis
Dromaeolus cylindricollis is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1839. It is one of the few species in the genus Dromaeolus, which comprises small to medium-sized beetles characterized by their inability to produce the clicking sound typical of their close relatives in Elateridae. The genus name refers to this reduced clicking ability (from Greek 'dromaios' meaning running or racing, perhaps alluding to their active movement rather than defensive clicking).
Dromaeolus punctatus
Dromaeolus punctatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. Members of this genus are typically associated with forest habitats and are often found under bark or in decaying wood. The genus Dromaeolus is characterized by its elongate body form and distinctive antennal structure.
Emmesa labiata
Lipped False Darkling Beetle
Emmesa labiata is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae. It is found in eastern North America, with records from New Brunswick to Ontario and Québec. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1824. Common name is the Lipped False Darkling Beetle.
Endomychus
Endomychus is a genus of beetles in the family Endomychidae, distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental realms. The genus was established by Panzer in 1795. Species in this genus are associated with fungi and decaying organic matter. The genus has been documented from northern Europe through North America to Asian regions.
Glischrochilus siepmanni
Glischrochilus siepmanni is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It belongs to a genus commonly known as picnic beetles, though specific behavioral details for this species remain limited. It has been documented across multiple Canadian provinces and is presumed present throughout North America.
Helops rugulosus
Helops rugulosus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The genus Helops belongs to the tribe Helopini within the subfamily Tenebrioninae. Species in this genus are typically associated with decaying wood and forest floor habitats. Like other darkling beetles, they are characterized by concealed mandibles and bead-like antennae segments.
Isohydnocera pusilla
Isohydnocera pusilla is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It is a small-bodied member of the genus Isohydnocera, which belongs to the tribe Hydnocerini. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1909 and is known from North America. Members of this genus are predatory beetles associated with wood-boring insects.
Lophoglossus scrutator
Lophoglossus scrutator is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Lophoglossus, it belongs to a group of carabid beetles typically associated with forest habitats.
Magdalis hispoides
wedge-shaped bark weevil
Magdalis hispoides is a species of bark weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. It belongs to the genus Magdalis, a group of wedge-shaped weevils associated with woody plants. The species is documented from multiple Canadian provinces and is presumed to occur more broadly in North America. Available records are sparse, with limited observational data.
Megapenthes megalops
Megapenthes megalops is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, tribe Megapenthini. The genus Megapenthes is characterized by enlarged eyes, a trait reflected in the species epithet 'megalops' (large-eyed). Members of this genus are typically associated with forested habitats and are active as adults during warmer months. The larvae develop in decaying wood and are predatory on other saproxylic invertebrates.
Melandrya striata
Striated False Darkling Beetle
Melandrya striata is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is distributed across much of Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The species is part of a family of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. As a member of the genus Melandrya, it shares the general ecology of this group, which is adapted to moist, decomposing substrates in forested environments.
Merohister arboricavi
clown beetle
Merohister arboricavi is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Wenzel in 1992. It belongs to the genus Merohister, a group of small predatory beetles. The species is known from limited collection records in the southeastern and midwestern United States.
Negastrius ornatus
Negastrius ornatus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, subfamily Negastriinae. The genus Negastrius comprises small to medium-sized elaterid beetles, with species typically characterized by distinctive color patterns and morphological features. As with other members of the subfamily Negastriinae, adults are generally found in association with decaying wood and forest floor habitats.
Nematodes penetrans
Nematodes penetrans is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. The genus name 'Nematodes' refers to the thread-like or worm-like appearance of these beetles, not to nematode worms. As a member of the Eucnemidae, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly known as false click beetles, which are distinguished from true click beetles (Elateridae) by their reduced ability to produce the characteristic clicking sound. The species has been documented in eastern Canada and parts of the northeastern United States.
Nemozoma
Nemozoma is a genus of beetles in the family Trogossitidae, historically spelled as Nemosoma. The genus contains species distributed across Europe, North America, and South America. Nemozoma elongatum in Central Europe is a documented predator of bark beetles, particularly Pityogenes chalcographus and Taphrorychus bicolor. Some species exhibit morphological specializations including shortened elytra and cranial projections.
Nitidotachinus horni
Nitidotachinus horni is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Campbell in 1973. It belongs to the subfamily Tachyporinae and tribe Tachinusini. The species is native to eastern North America, with documented occurrences in both the United States and Canada. As a member of the large and diverse rove beetle family, it likely inhabits forest floor and decaying organic matter habitats typical of the subfamily, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Nitidotachinus scrutator
Nitidotachinus scrutator is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Tachyporinae. It is a small beetle with a documented distribution across eastern North America, from Canada through the northeastern and midwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it inhabits forest floor environments where it functions as a generalist predator or scavenger. The species was described by Gemminger and Harold in 1868.
Olophrum consimile
Olophrum consimile is a Holarctic rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Omaliinae) found across northern North America and Eurasia. First described by Gyllenhal in 1810, this species has accumulated multiple junior synonyms due to morphological variability. The species is part of a genus of small, ground-dwelling beetles associated with moist forest habitats.
Onichodon downiei
Onichodon downiei is a species of false click beetle described by Muona in 2000. The species is known from Ontario and Québec in Canada. As a member of the family Eucnemidae, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and forest habitats. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Orchesia ovata
Orchesia ovata is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae, described by Laliberté in 1967. It belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The species has been documented in eastern Canada, with records from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits forested environments where it contributes to the decomposition of woody material.
Ostomopsis neotropicalis
Ostomopsis neotropicalis is a small beetle species in the family Cerylonidae, described by Lawrence & Stephan in 1975. The species is native to the Neotropical and southern Nearctic regions, with records from Middle America and North America. Cerylonidae are generally associated with decaying wood, fungi, or stored organic materials, though specific biology for this species remains poorly documented.
Oxyporus major
Oxyporus major is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxyporinae. It is found across eastern North America, from Canada to the southeastern United States. As a member of the Oxyporinae, it is associated with fungal habitats, particularly polypore bracket fungi.
Oxyporus rufipennis
Oxyporus rufipennis is a rove beetle in the subfamily Oxyporinae, characterized by relatively large size within the family and distinctive reddish wing covers. The species occurs across northeastern North America, with records spanning Canada and the eastern United States. Like other members of Oxyporus, it is associated with fungal habitats, particularly polypore bracket fungi on decaying wood.
Pedilus joanae
Pedilus joanae is a species of beetle in the family Pyrochroidae, commonly known as fire-colored beetles. The species is named in honor of entomologist Joan Chapin. It is one of several North American species in the genus Pedilus, which are recognized for their soft, somewhat flattened bodies and often vivid coloration. Observations suggest it occurs in the eastern United States, though detailed ecological studies remain limited.
Pentaphyllus pallidus
Pentaphyllus pallidus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1866. It belongs to a genus characterized by five-segmented tarsi, a distinctive trait reflected in its name (Greek: penta = five, phyllon = leaf/lobe, referring to tarsal segments). The species is known from eastern Canada, with records from Ontario and Québec. Like other tenebrionids, it likely inhabits decaying organic matter and debris in forested environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Phloeocharis
Phloeocharis is a genus of rove beetles in the subfamily Phloeocharinae. Species in this genus are saproxylic, living under tree bark in association with bark beetle communities. The genus is native to the Palearctic region, with at least one species, Phloeocharis subtilissima, introduced to North America via port cities.
Pityophagus
Pityophagus is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Shuckard in 1839. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Members of this genus are associated with coniferous trees, where they feed on sap flows and exudates.
Platyceroides laticollis
Platyceroides laticollis is a species of stag beetle described by Casey in 1914. It belongs to the family Lucanidae, a group characterized by enlarged mandibles in males. The species has been documented in western North America, specifically in California and Oregon. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with decaying wood habitats.
Platydema
Platydema is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Diaperinae) comprising at least 60 described species. Multiple species have been documented as obligately associated with fungal fruiting bodies, with some exhibiting monophagy on specific bracket fungi. The genus has a broad geographic distribution including Asia, Europe, and North America.
Platydema teleops
Platydema teleops is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Triplehorn in 1965. It belongs to the genus Platydema, which contains small to medium-sized beetles often associated with decaying plant matter and fungi. The species is known from eastern Canada, with records from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. It is one of the less commonly documented members of its genus, with limited observational data available.
Prosternon medianus
Click beetle
Prosternon medianus is a click beetle (Elateridae) species native to eastern North America. It is characterized by its elongated, parallel-sided body form and smooth, dark elytra with subtle pubescence. The species is associated with forested and riparian habitats where its larvae develop in decaying wood. Adults are active during spring and early summer, with activity peaking in May and June. The species is part of the diverse Prosternon genus, which contains approximately 15 species primarily distributed in the Holarctic region.
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 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 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 superciliosus
Pterostichus superciliosus is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1823. As a member of the genus Pterostichus, it belongs to a diverse group of ground beetles commonly encountered in forested habitats.
Rhagonycha sylvatica
Rhagonycha sylvatica is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, native to North America. The species was described by Green in 1941 and is known from Ontario and Québec in Canada. Like other members of the genus Rhagonycha, this species is likely associated with forested habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded in only a handful of observations, indicating it may be uncommon or undercollected.
Scaphinotus bullatus
Inflated Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus bullatus, commonly known as the inflated snail-eating beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is endemic to California, where it inhabits coniferous and mixed forests. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait associated with its forest floor habitat. The species belongs to the tribe Cychrini, whose members are specialized predators of snails and slugs.
Scaphinotus ridingsii monongahelae
Scaphinotus ridingsii monongahelae is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Leng in 1917. It belongs to the genus Scaphinotus, commonly known as snail-eating beetles or snail hunters, which are specialized predators of terrestrial snails. The subspecies epithet "monongahelae" suggests an association with the Monongahela River region of the eastern United States. Like other members of the tribe Cychrini, this beetle possesses enlarged, asymmetrical mandibles adapted for extracting snails from their shells.
Tetropium velutinum
Western Larch Borer
Tetropium velutinum, commonly known as the Western Larch Borer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1869. The species is associated with coniferous forests of western North America, particularly with larch trees (Larix spp.) which serve as its larval host. Like other members of the genus Tetropium, adults are typically attracted to recently dead or dying host trees.
Thymalus marginicollis
Bark-gnawing Beetle
Thymalus marginicollis is a species of bark-gnawing beetle in the family Thymalidae (sometimes historically placed in Trogossitidae). The species was described by Chevrolat in 1842 and occurs across much of Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. As a member of Thymalidae, it belongs to a small family of predatory beetles associated with woody substrates.
Trichochrous ferrugineus
Trichochrous ferrugineus is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae, a group of saproxylic beetles associated with decaying wood. The genus Trichochrous comprises small to medium-sized beetles characterized by their elongated bodies and reduced or non-functional clicking mechanism compared to true click beetles (Elateridae). Species in this genus are typically found in forested habitats where they develop in dead or dying hardwoods.
Uloma
Uloma is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae comprising more than 200 species and subspecies worldwide. The genus is particularly diverse in China, with at least 37 recorded species. Immature stages have been described for few species, revealing oligopod larvae and exarate pupae with sexual dimorphism in some species. Members are primarily associated with decaying wood in forest habitats.
Uloma mentalis
Uloma mentalis is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1870. It belongs to the genus Uloma, a group of small to medium-sized beetles associated with decaying wood and forest floor habitats. The species is known from limited observations in North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada. As with many tenebrionid beetles, its biology is poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Xylopinus aenescens
Xylopinus aenescens is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. It belongs to a genus of beetles associated with decaying wood and forest habitats. Records indicate it occurs in eastern Canada, specifically New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it likely contributes to nutrient cycling through decomposition processes, though specific ecological studies on this species appear limited.