Ground-beetle
Guides
Paraclivina sulcipennis
Paraclivina sulcipennis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Scaritinae. The species was originally described by Putzeys in 1867 under the genus Clivina and has since been reclassified to Paraclivina. It is recorded from the United States and North America. As with other members of the tribe Clivinini, it is a small, fossorial ground beetle adapted to burrowing in soil.
Pasimachus
Warrior Beetles
Pasimachus is a genus of large, robust ground beetles in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Warrior Beetles. The genus name derives from Ancient Greek πᾶς ('all') and μαχητής ('warrior' or 'fighter'), referencing the beetles' large mandibles and predatory nature. Species occur primarily in North America, with approximately 30 described species distributed across diverse habitats including sandhills, juniper woodlands, and mesa tops.
Pasimachus californicus
California warrior beetle
Pasimachus californicus, commonly known as the California warrior beetle, is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it inhabits mixed oak woodlands and juniper-pinyon-oak woodlands. The species is an active predator that hunts at night and is considered beneficial for agricultural and natural ecosystems due to its predation on pest insects.
Pasimachus depressus
blue-margined ground beetle
Pasimachus depressus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, found in North America. The species is known to occur in the western United States, with records from Colorado and Oklahoma. It is regularly sampled at the National Ecological Observatory Network's Central Plains Experimental Range in Colorado and is stored in the NEON Biorepository. The species is part of the genus Pasimachus, sometimes referred to as 'warrior beetles' due to their large, formidable mandibles.
Pasimachus obsoletus
Obscure Warrior Beetle
Pasimachus obsoletus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1846. It belongs to a genus commonly referred to as "Warrior Beetles" due to their large, formidable mandibles. The species epithet "obsoletus" refers to its somewhat worn or indistinct appearance. Like other members of Pasimachus, it is a predatory beetle active on the ground surface.
Pasimachus punctulatus
Pasimachus punctulatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from the United States. The species belongs to the subfamily Scaritinae, a group characterized by fossorial (burrowing) adaptations. As a member of the genus Pasimachus, it shares traits with other large, robust ground beetles in this group.
Pasimachus strenuus
Pasimachus strenuus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1874. It belongs to a genus of large, robust carabids sometimes referred to as 'warrior beetles' due to their formidable appearance. The species occurs in North America, though specific ecological details remain limited in published sources.
Pasimachus sublaevis
Moderately Smooth Warrior Beetle
Pasimachus sublaevis is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Moderately Smooth Warrior Beetle. The species occurs across North America and is one of several species in the genus Pasimachus, which are notable for their robust build, large mandibles, and active predatory behavior. Warrior beetles are among the more conspicuous carabids in open habitats due to their size and diurnal activity patterns.
Pasimachus viridans
Green-bordered Ground Beetle
Pasimachus viridans is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Green-bordered Ground Beetle. It belongs to a genus sometimes referred to as 'Warrior Beetles' due to their prominent, powerful mandibles. The species is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is one of two recognized subspecies within the P. viridans complex.
Patrobus
Patrobus is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising more than 20 described species. The genus is distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. At least one species, Patrobus atrorufus, has been studied for its life cycle and seasonal activity patterns, showing flexibility in breeding timing in response to climatic conditions. Members of this genus have been recorded in agricultural studies as part of carabid communities sensitive to soil management practices.
Patrobus cinctus
Patrobus cinctus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It has a Holarctic distribution, occurring across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America including Alaska and Canada. Like other ground beetles, it is a ground-dwelling predator sensitive to soil disturbance, making it a useful bioindicator of agricultural practices.
Patrobus foveocollis
Patrobus foveocollis is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, characterized by its Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Patrobinae, a group of ground beetles often associated with moist habitats. Like other Patrobus species, it is sensitive to soil disturbance and agricultural practices.
Patrobus lecontei
Patrobus lecontei is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1872. It belongs to the subfamily Patrobinae, a group of carabid beetles often associated with moist or riparian habitats. The species is documented from North America, with occurrence records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Patrobus, it is likely a predatory beetle, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Patrobus longicornis
Long-horned Patrobus Beetle
Patrobus longicornis is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. It is native to North America and occurs in both Canada and the United States. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823 under the basionym Feronia longicornis. Like other members of the genus Patrobus, it inhabits moist terrestrial environments.
Patrobus septentrionis
Patrobus septentrionis is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, distributed across boreal and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The species occurs in Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. It belongs to the subfamily Patrobinae, a group associated with moist, often riparian or wetland habitats. Like other members of its genus, it is likely sensitive to soil disturbance and agricultural practices.
Pelmatellus obtusus
Pelmatellus obtusus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The genus Pelmatellus belongs to the carabid subfamily Harpalinae. Ground beetles in this family are predominantly predatory and occupy diverse terrestrial habitats. Specific ecological or behavioral details for P. obtusus remain undocumented in available sources.
Pelophila borealis
boreal mud-loving beetle
Pelophila borealis is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Nebriinae, first described by Gustaf von Paykull in 1790. It is a small, shiny black beetle measuring 9.5–10.1 mm in length. The species has a Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern Eurasia and North America.
Pentagonica bicolor
Pentagonica bicolor is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Lebiinae and tribe Odacanthini. The species is known to occur in North America, with distribution records from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. Very little is documented about its specific biology, ecology, or behavior beyond basic taxonomic and distributional information.
Pericompsus ephippiatus
Pericompsus ephippiatus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1830. The species is distributed across North and Central America, with records from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. As a member of the Harpalinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of predominantly ground-dwelling beetles. Published observations of this species remain limited.
Perigona nigriceps
Perigona nigriceps is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. It has been recorded across multiple continents, with confirmed observations in the Azores (Faial, Graciosa, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira) and historical captures in urban woodland habitats in Paris, France. The species was described by Dejean in 1831 and is currently accepted under that authorship, though it has also been attributed to Nietner (1858) in some sources.
Perigona pallipennis
Perigona pallipennis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, tribe Perigonini. The genus Perigona is characterized by small body size and association with leaf litter and ground habitats in tropical and subtropical regions. Species within Perigona are generally poorly studied, with limited published information on their biology. The specific epithet 'pallipennis' refers to pale wing characteristics.
Philodes flavilimbus
Philodes flavilimbus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1869. It is known from North America, with records from the United States. The species is recognized as insectivorous based on its placement within predatory ground beetles.
Philodes longulus
Philodes longulus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Dejean in 1829. It belongs to the genus Philodes, a group of carabid beetles distributed in the Western Hemisphere. The species exhibits complete metamorphosis (holometabolous development) and has a bilaterally symmetrical body plan. It has been recorded from the Caribbean region and North America, with 17 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Philodes rectangulus
Rectangular Harp Ground Beetle
Philodes rectangulus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Rectangular Harp Ground Beetle. It is native to North America, with records from both Canada and the United States. The species was originally described as Acupalpus rectangulus by Chaudoir in 1868 and later transferred to the genus Philodes. It belongs to the subfamily Harpalinae, a diverse group of ground beetles often associated with open habitats.
Philolithus
Philolithus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, containing approximately seven described species. The genus is native to North America, with species distributed across the southwestern United States and adjacent regions. Members are typically encountered in arid and semi-arid habitats, including sand dunes, saltbush shrubland, and juniper-oak-pinyon woodland. One species, Philolithus aeger, has been observed in sand dune habitats at the interface with saltbush shrubland.
Philophuga caerulea
Philophuga caerulea is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1913. It occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Mexico and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Lebiinae, it belongs to a diverse group of often small, active predatory beetles. Specific ecological details and morphological traits for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Philophuga viridis
Green light-loving ground beetle
Philophuga viridis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species was described by Dejean in 1831 and includes four recognized subspecies. As a member of the Lebiinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory beetles commonly known as "light-loving ground beetles" due to their diurnal activity patterns.
Philophuga viridis amoena
Philophuga viridis amoena is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Originally described as Cymindis amoena by LeConte in 1846, it was later transferred to the genus Philophuga. This taxon belongs to the subfamily Lebiinae, a group of small, often colorful predatory beetles commonly known as colorful foliage ground beetles. As a member of the genus Philophuga, it is part of a group of beetles associated with vegetation and known for their active predatory habits.
Philophuga viridis horni
Philophuga viridis horni is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Chaudoir in 1877. It belongs to the genus Philophuga within the tribe Lebiini, a group known for their predatory habits. As a member of the subfamily Lebiinae, this taxon represents part of a diverse radiation of carabid beetles. The specific epithet "viridis" suggests green coloration, while the subspecific name "horni" honors the American entomologist George Henry Horn.
Phloeoxena signata
Phloeoxena signata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Records indicate this species occurs in Central America and parts of North America, with confirmed observations from Mexico through Panama. As a member of Carabidae, it likely exhibits typical ground beetle characteristics including predatory habits and terrestrial lifestyle, though specific behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Phrypeus rickseckeri
Phrypeus rickseckeri is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described as Bembidion rickseckeri by Hayward in 1897. It is a member of the tribe Sinozolini within the subfamily Trechinae. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Available information is limited, with only five observations documented on iNaturalist.
Physea hirta
Physea hirta is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the subfamily Paussinae, a group that includes many ant-associated beetles. The species has been recorded from Central America and North America, specifically from Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Piesmus
Piesmus is a monotypic genus of ground beetles (family Carabidae) containing the single species Piesmus submarginatus. The genus was established by LeConte in 1846 and is classified within the tribe Pterostichini. The sole species has been documented from mesophilous forest habitats under dead pine bark.
Piosoma
Piosoma is a monotypic genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, containing the single species Piosoma setosum. The genus was established by LeConte in 1847 and is classified within the tribe Harpalini. It is endemic to North America.
Piosoma setosum
Piosoma setosum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, notable as the sole member of its monotypic genus. First described by LeConte in 1847, this beetle occurs in North America. The genus name derives from Greek, reflecting its distinctive setose (bristly) characteristics. Despite its taxonomic uniqueness, detailed biological information remains limited.
Platidiolus vandykei
Platidiolus vandykei is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was described by Kurnakov in 1960. The species is known from North America, with distribution records from Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. As a member of the subfamily Patrobinae, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized ground beetles typically associated with riparian and moist habitats.
Platynus cazieri
Platynus cazieri is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Liebherr and Will in 1996. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Dyscolus cazieri in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing classification revisions within the Platynini tribe. It occurs in Central America and North America, with confirmed records from the United States.
Platynus cincticollis
Platynus cincticollis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species is distinguished by two reddish spots on the head. It is native to North America, with documented records from both Canada and the United States.
Platynus daviesi
Platynus daviesi is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the genus Platynus, a group of nocturnal, predatory beetles. The species is known from North America. Information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Platynus hypolithos
Platynus hypolithos is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to the genus Platynus, a group of predatory beetles within the subfamily Platyninae. The species occurs in North America, with documented records from both Canada and the United States.
Platynus lyratus
Platynus lyratus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1879. The species is distributed across North America, with records from the United States and Mexico. As a member of the genus Platynus, it belongs to a group of ground beetles characterized by their elongated body form and association with forest floor habitats. Available records indicate it is a rarely encountered species, with limited observational data.
Platynus mannerheimii
Platynus mannerheimii is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, distributed across boreal and arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It belongs to a large genus of predominantly forest-dwelling carabids characterized by elongated bodies and long legs adapted for running. The species was described by Dejean in 1828 and is named after the Finnish entomologist Carl Gustaf Mannerheim.
Platynus megalops
Platynus megalops is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was originally described by Bates in 1882. Current taxonomic consensus treats this name as a synonym of Dyscolus megalops. The species has been recorded from Mexico and the United States.
Platynus ovatulus
Platynus ovatulus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, originally described by Bates in 1884. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Dyscolus ovatulus in some taxonomic databases. It occurs in North America, with documented records from Mexico and the United States. As a member of Platynini, it belongs to a group of predominantly nocturnal ground beetles.
Platynus parmarginatus
Platynus parmarginatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Hamilton in 1893. It belongs to the subfamily Platyninae, a group of predominantly nocturnal predatory beetles. The species is documented from the United States within North America. Like other Platynus species, it is likely a generalist predator inhabiting forest floor environments.
Platypatrobus
Platypatrobus is a monotypic genus of ground beetles (family Carabidae) established by Darlington in 1938. The genus contains a single species, Platypatrobus lacustris, found in North America. It belongs to the subfamily Patrobinae, a group of small to medium-sized ground beetles often associated with moist habitats.
Platypatrobus lacustris
Platypatrobus lacustris is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Patrobinae. First described by Darlington in 1938, this species is one of only two recognized species in the genus Platypatrobus. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including an elongated, somewhat flattened body form and modified tarsal structures. The species epithet "lacustris" suggests an association with lake or lakeshore habitats. Records indicate presence in Canada and the United States, though specific habitat details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Poecilus
Greenclock Ground Beetles
Poecilus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 144 species distributed across the Afro-tropical region, Palearctic (including Europe), the Near East, North Africa, and North America. Species within this genus are frequently encountered in agricultural landscapes, where they contribute significantly to epigeal (ground-dwelling) arthropod communities. Multiple species often occur sympatrically, exhibiting spatial partitioning within habitats. The genus has been extensively studied as a bioindicator of agricultural practices and environmental disturbance due to its sensitivity to soil management techniques and pesticide exposure.
Poecilus chalcites
Poecilus chalcites is a predaceous ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly found in agricultural systems and croplands across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The species is recognized for its role as a biological control agent, feeding on multiple crop pests including corn rootworm, corn earworm, and cutworm species. Sexual dimorphism in foretarsus shape allows straightforward sex identification: males possess a heart-shaped proximal foretarsus, while females have a thinner structure. Laboratory rearing studies have established protocols for maintaining colonies, though laboratory-reared adults typically fail to reproduce.
Poecilus cyanicolor
Poecilus cyanicolor is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1876. It belongs to the genus Poecilus, a group of small to medium-sized carabid beetles commonly found in agricultural and open habitats. The species has been documented in North America and Middle America, though specific ecological studies appear limited compared to congeners such as Poecilus chalcites.