Ground-beetle
Guides
Gabrius ovaliceps
Gabrius ovaliceps is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Fall in 1930. It belongs to the large subtribe Philonthina within the tribe Staphylinini. The species is known from eastern North America, with records spanning from Ontario and Quebec south to Texas. Like other members of the genus Gabrius, it is a ground-dwelling beetle likely associated with moist habitats.
Galerita aequinoctialis
Galerita aequinoctialis is a species of ground beetle described by Chaudoir in 1852. It belongs to the genus Galerita, a group of large, visually striking carabid beetles often called "false bombardier beetles" due to their resemblance to bombardier beetles (Brachinus). The species occurs in Central America and Mexico.
Galerita bicolor
False bombardier beetle
Galerita bicolor, commonly known as the false bombardier beetle, is a ground beetle species occurring in the eastern United States. It exhibits Batesian mimicry of true bombardier beetles (Brachinini), sharing their characteristic red-and-black coloration without possessing the explosive defensive chemical spray. Adults are large, elongated beetles measuring 17.0–22.5 mm, found primarily in moist woodland and meadow habitats. The species is active year-round under bark and leaf litter, with peak activity from February through November.
Galerita forreri
Galerita forreri is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It occurs in North America. The genus Galerita comprises relatively large, fast-running ground beetles often recognized by their distinctive body shape and coloration.
Gastrellarius blanchardi
Gastrellarius blanchardi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described as Pterostichus blanchardi by G.Horn in 1891. It belongs to the tribe Pterostichini and is classified as a woodland ground beetle. The species is known from North America, with distribution records from the United States. Available information is limited, with few documented observations.
Gastrellarius honestus
Gastrellarius honestus is a species of woodland ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to the genus Gastrellarius, a group of ground beetles within the tribe Pterostichini. The species is recorded from North America, with observations documented in both Canada and the United States.
Gastrellarius unicarum
Gastrellarius unicarum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Darlington in 1932 under the name Pterostichus unicarum. It is classified within the subfamily Pterostichinae and tribe Pterostichini. The species is documented from North America, with confirmed records from the United States. Available information is limited, with only five observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Geodromicus brunneus
Geodromicus brunneus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae. It is native to eastern North America, with documented records from Canada and the United States. The species was originally described by Thomas Say in 1823. Like other members of the genus Geodromicus, it is a ground-dwelling beetle typically found in forest floor habitats.
Geopinus
Geopinus is a monotypic genus of ground beetles (family Carabidae) containing only the species Geopinus incrassatus. The genus is classified within the tribe Anisodactylini. The single known species has been documented feeding on seedlings in agricultural seed beds.
Goniotropis parca
Goniotropis parca is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, subfamily Paussinae. It was described by LeConte in 1884. The species has a documented distribution spanning Central America and North America.
Halocoryza arenaria
Halocoryza arenaria is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Scaritinae. It was described by Philip Darlington in 1939. The species is brown in coloration and has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Neotropics, Africa, and the Caribbean. It belongs to the tribe Clivinini within the scaritine ground beetles.
Harpalobrachys leiroides
Harpalobrachys leiroides is a ground beetle species and the sole member of its genus. It is classified within the subfamily Harpalinae, tribe Harpalini. The species has a Holarctic distribution spanning northern Eurasia and North America. It was first described by Motschulsky in 1844.
Harpalus
Harpalus is a large and diverse genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, containing over 420 described species and subspecies. It is the largest genus of the tribe Harpalini and one of the most diverse genera in the entire ground beetle family. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species found across multiple continents. A recent worldwide classification based on adult morphology divides Harpalus into seventy subgenera grouped into nineteen subgroups and ten groups, including thirty-six newly described subgenera. Members of this genus are primarily ground-dwelling predators and granivores found in agricultural fields, grasslands, and open habitats.
Harpalus affinis
Metallic Harpalus
Harpalus affinis is a ground beetle species native to the Palearctic region, with established introduced populations in North America and New Zealand. Adults measure 8.5–12 mm and display distinctive metallic bronze, green, or blue reflections on an otherwise black body. The species has been documented as part of beneficial ground beetle communities in agricultural systems, where it responds positively to reduced-tillage practices. Larval development spans approximately three months, with newly hatched larvae emerging in mid-May.
Harpalus amputatus
Harpalus amputatus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas Say in 1830. It belongs to the subfamily Harpalinae and is one of numerous species in the large genus Harpalus. The species exhibits a transcontinental distribution spanning northern Asia and North America, with recognized subspecies in Russia, China, Mongolia, and North America. Like other Harpalus species, it is a ground-dwelling beetle typically found in open, dry habitats where it hunts small invertebrates and scavenges opportunistically.
Harpalus atrichatus
Harpalus atrichatus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Hatch in 1949. As a member of the large genus Harpalus, it belongs to the family Carabidae, one of the most diverse beetle families. The species epithet 'atrichatus' suggests a lack of hair or setae, though this has not been explicitly documented in the available sources. Very little specific information about its biology, ecology, or distribution has been published.
Harpalus caliginosus
Murky Ground Beetle
Harpalus caliginosus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. It is commonly known as the Murky Ground Beetle and occurs in North America, including Canada and the United States. The species is a known predator of Musca autumnalis larvae (face fly larvae), indicating its role as a beneficial biological control agent.
Harpalus cohni
Harpalus cohni is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalalinae, described by George E. Ball in 1972. It belongs to the large genus Harpalus, one of the most diverse genera within the Carabidae family. The species is known from the United States, with distribution records indicating presence in North America. Like other members of Harpalus, it is likely a nocturnal or crepuscular predator, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented due to limited study.
Harpalus compar
Harpalus compar is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalalinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1848. It belongs to the large genus Harpalus, which contains over 400 described species and represents one of the most diverse genera within the family Carabidae. The species is known from North America, with records from both the United States and Canada.
Harpalus cordatus
Harpalus cordatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in the United States, with records primarily from North America. The species has been historically placed in the genus Ophonus as O. (Metophonus) cordatus based on Duftschmid's 1812 description, but modern taxonomy recognizes it under Harpalus. Information on its biology and ecology is sparse, reflecting limited study of this particular species.
Harpalus cordifer
Harpalus cordifer is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalalinae, described by Notman in 1919. It belongs to the large genus Harpalus, one of the most diverse genera of ground beetles in North America. The species is documented from Alaska and northern North America, with records extending into Canada and the contiguous United States. Like other members of the genus, it is a nocturnal ground beetle likely associated with open, disturbed habitats where it preys on small invertebrates and may consume seeds.
Harpalus ellipsis
Harpalus ellipsis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalinae. First described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1848, this beetle belongs to one of the largest genera of ground beetles in North America. The genus Harpalus contains numerous species that are primarily granivorous as adults, feeding on weed seeds, while larvae are predatory on soil-dwelling insects. Members of this genus are commonly found in agricultural and disturbed habitats across temperate regions.
Harpalus erraticus
Medora Harp Ground Beetle
Harpalus erraticus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, found in North America. It is one of numerous Harpalus species occurring in the United States and Canada. Like other members of the genus, it is a ground-dwelling beetle active in open habitats. The specific epithet "erraticus" suggests variable or wandering habits, though detailed behavioral studies are limited. The species has been documented in agricultural and natural settings, with 252 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Harpalus erythropus
Harpalus erythropus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, first described by Pierre François Marie Auguste Dejean in 1829. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Harpalus, which contains numerous species of ground beetles distributed across North America and other regions. Like other members of its genus, this species is likely adapted to ground-dwelling habits in various terrestrial habitats. The specific epithet "erythropus" refers to reddish legs, a characteristic feature of this species.
Harpalus faunus
Harpalus faunus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Harpalus, which contains numerous species across North America and other regions. Like other members of its genus, it is a ground-dwelling predator that inhabits open terrestrial environments. The species has been recorded from Canada and the United States, with observations documented in the northern parts of its range.
Harpalus fraternus
Harpalus fraternus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. The species is native to western Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Harpalus, it is a ground-dwelling predator.
Harpalus fulvilabris
Harpalus fulvilabris is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Carl Gustaf Mannerheim in 1853. It belongs to the genus Harpalus, one of the most diverse genera of Carabidae with over 400 described species. The species is classified within the newly described subgenus Meroharpalus, established with H. fulvilabris as its type species. This subgenus is part of a broader systematic reorganization of the genus Harpalus based on adult morphological characters.
Harpalus fuscipalpis
Harpalus fuscipalpis is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Sturm in 1818. It belongs to the genus Harpalus, one of the largest genera of ground beetles. The species has a Holarctic distribution, with records from Alaska, Armenia, Austria, and Azerbaijan. As a member of the Carabidae family, it is likely a predatory beetle, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Harpalus gravis
Harpalus gravis is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Harpalus, which contains numerous ground beetle species found across North America. Like other members of this genus, H. gravis is likely a nocturnal or crepuscular predator that forages on the ground surface. The specific epithet 'gravis' (Latin for 'heavy' or 'serious') may allude to some aspect of its physical characteristics or behavior.
Harpalus herbivagus
Harpalus herbivagus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalinae. First described by Thomas Say in 1823, this species is native to North America with documented occurrence in Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Harpalus, it is a ground-dwelling beetle typically found in terrestrial habitats. The species name 'herbivagus' suggests herbivorous or plant-associated feeding habits, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Harpalus indianus
Harpalus indianus is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Harpalalinae, described by Csiki in 1932. It belongs to the diverse genus Harpalus, which contains numerous species of ground beetles distributed across North America. The species has been recorded in Canada and the United States.
Harpalus innocuus
Harpalus innocuus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalinae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. The species belongs to the large genus Harpalus, which contains numerous ground beetle species distributed across North America and other regions. Like other members of its genus, it is a ground-dwelling predatory beetle.
Harpalus katiae
Harpalus katiae is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by F. Battoni in 1985. It belongs to the large genus Harpalus, which contains numerous ground beetle species distributed across multiple continents. As with most members of this genus, it is likely a nocturnal predator inhabiting open, dry habitats, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented.
Harpalus lewisii
Lewis' harpaline beetle
Harpalus lewisii is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1865. It is a medium-sized carabid beetle measuring 11–15 mm in length. The species occurs in northeastern North America, with documented records from both Canada and the United States. As a member of the large genus Harpalus, it shares the general ground beetle morphology but is distinguished by specific characteristics that allow identification to species level.
Harpalus megacephalus
Harpalus megacephalus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalalinae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1848. The species epithet "megacephalus" (Greek for "large-headed") likely refers to a relatively enlarged head capsule compared to congeners. As a member of the large genus Harpalus, it belongs to a group of primarily nocturnal, ground-dwelling beetles commonly found in open habitats across North America.
Harpalus obnixus
Harpalus obnixus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalalinae, described by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1924. As a member of the genus Harpalus, it belongs to one of the largest genera within the Carabidae family. The species is documented from North America, with records from both Canada and the United States. Like other ground beetles in this genus, it is presumed to be a ground-dwelling predator, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Harpalus opacipennis
Harpalus opacipennis is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Haldeman in 1843. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Harpalus, which contains numerous species of medium-sized ground beetles distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. The species name 'opacipennis' refers to the dull or opaque appearance of the elytra (wing covers). Like other members of Harpalus, this species is likely a generalist predator and scavenger, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Harpalus pensylvanicus
Pennsylvania ground beetle, Pennsylvania Dingy Ground Beetle
Harpalus pensylvanicus is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Harpalinae, distributed throughout North America. Adults are characterized by shiny black elytra with distinct lines, reddish-brown ventral surfaces, and moderate size. The species is a significant weed seed predator in agricultural ecosystems, with documented preferences for small seeds of grasses and broadleaf weeds. It has been observed in cultivated fields, high hayfields, and open habitats, showing attraction to lights. The species occasionally damages ripening strawberries.
Harpalus providens
Harpalus providens is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Thomas L. Casey in 1914. As a member of the large genus Harpalus, it belongs to one of the most diverse groups of carabid beetles in North America. The species is known from limited occurrence records in Canada and the United States, with observations documented through citizen science platforms. Like other Harpalus species, it likely occupies open, dry habitats where it functions as an omnivorous ground-dwelling predator and seed-feeder.
Harpalus puncticeps
Harpalus puncticeps is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalinae. The species was described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1914. Taxonomic records indicate some nomenclatural complexity, with the species also referenced under Stephens (1828) as Glanodes puncticeps in some databases. It is currently classified within the genus Harpalus, though some sources list it under the subgenus Ophonus (Metophonus).
Harpalus retractus
Harpalus retractus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. It is recorded from Mexico and the United States. Like other members of the genus Harpalus, it is a nocturnal ground beetle. The species is part of a large genus containing over 400 species worldwide, with many species being granivorous as adults.
Harpalus rubripes
Red-legged Harpalus
Harpalus rubripes is a medium-sized ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, characterized by its distinctive reddish legs that give the species its name. Native to the Palearctic region, it has established populations across much of Europe, extending eastward through Siberia and Central Asia to Anatolia. The species was introduced to North America, with records dating from 1987 onward. Like other members of the genus Harpalus, it is primarily nocturnal and ground-dwelling.
Harpalus rufipes
strawberry seed beetle
Harpalus rufipes is a trans-palearctic ground beetle commonly known as the strawberry seed beetle. Adults are active from April through November in temperate regions. The species functions as a significant weed seed predator in agricultural ecosystems, with larvae and adults feeding on seeds of various grasses and agricultural crops. It has been widely studied as a biological control agent for weed management and serves as a host for multiple parasites including the braconid wasp Microctonus caudatus and the gregarine protozoan Clitellocephalus ophoni.
Harpalus somnulentus
Harpalus somnulentus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalinae. It was first described by Pierre François Marie Auguste Dejean in 1829. The species belongs to the large genus Harpalus, which contains numerous ground beetle species distributed across North America and other regions. As a member of the Carabidae family, it is a predatory beetle likely active in terrestrial habitats.
Harpalus texanus
Harpalus texanus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Casey in 1914. As a member of the large genus Harpalus, it belongs to the family Carabidae, one of the most diverse beetle families. The species is known from the United States, with records indicating presence in North America. Like other Harpalus species, it is likely a nocturnal ground-dwelling beetle, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Harpalus ventralis
Harpalus ventralis is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalinae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1848. The species is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Harpalus, it is a nocturnal, ground-dwelling beetle.
Hartonymus alternatus
Hartonymus alternatus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1863. It is native to North America and has been recorded from the United States. As a member of the Harpalinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of ground beetles. Very little specific biological information is available for this species.
Hartonymus hoodi
Hartonymus hoodi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas L. Casey in 1914. It belongs to the tribe Harpalini within the subfamily Harpalinae. The species is documented from North America, with distribution records from the United States.
Helluomorphoides clairvillei
flat-horned ground beetle
Helluomorphoides clairvillei is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Anthiinae, characterized by the flattened, horn-like projections on the head that give the group its common name. The species was described by Dejean in 1831 and is known from the United States. Like other members of the genus, it belongs to a specialized lineage of carabid beetles with distinctive morphological adaptations. Records indicate extremely limited observation data, with only two documented observations in iNaturalist.
Helluomorphoides ferrugineus
flat-horned ground beetle
Helluomorphoides ferrugineus is a species of flat-horned ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species was originally described as Helluomorpha ferruginea by LeConte in 1853. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from the United States and Mexico. As a member of the subfamily Anthiinae, it belongs to a group of ground beetles commonly referred to as flat-horned ground beetles.