Ground-beetle
Guides
Rhadine infernalis
Rhadine infernalis is a troglobitic ground beetle endemic to Bexar County, Texas, where it occupies karst caves and mesocaverns. It is one of nine federally endangered karst invertebrates from this region, listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2000. The species has the widest known distribution among these endangered invertebrates, having been documented in 39 caves across five karst fauna regions. Two named subspecies exist: R. i. infernalis and R. i. ewersi.
Rhadine jejuna
Rhadine jejuna is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America. The genus Rhadine includes several cave-dwelling species that are highly specialized for subterranean environments.
Rhadine lanei
Rhadine lanei is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by B.Gray in 1937. It belongs to the genus Rhadine, which contains multiple cave-dwelling species found in Texas. The genus includes several federally endangered species that are ecologically dependent on cave cricket populations.
Rhadine larvalis
Rhadine larvalis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1846. It is one of several species in the genus Rhadine, a group that includes both surface-dwelling and cave-adapted beetles. The species is recorded from the United States and North America. Unlike some congeners such as R. exilis and R. infernalis, it is not currently listed as federally endangered.
Rhadine lindrothi
Rhadine lindrothi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Barr in 1965. It is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The genus Rhadine includes several cave-dwelling species that are ecologically specialized, though specific details about R. lindrothi's biology remain poorly documented.
Rhadine nivalis
Rhadine nivalis is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1881. It is found in North America, with distribution records from the United States. The species belongs to the genus Rhadine, which includes several cave-dwelling beetles, some of which are federally listed as endangered. However, specific ecological details for R. nivalis remain poorly documented in available sources.
Rhadine ozarkensis
Rhadine ozarkensis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Sanderson and Miller in 1941. It is the second species of the genus Rhadine recorded from caves, discovered in the Ozark region. The species possesses morphological adaptations typical of cave-dwelling carabids, including an elongated body and head.
Rhadine perlevis
Rhadine perlevis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1913. The species is known from Mexico and the southwestern United States. It belongs to a genus containing several cave-dwelling species, though R. perlevis itself is not documented as a cave obligate. The genus Rhadine includes federally endangered species such as R. exilis and R. infernalis, which are restricted to cave systems in central Texas and depend on cave crickets as a food source.
Rhadine umbra
Rhadine umbra is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1913. It is a member of the genus Rhadine, which contains several troglobitic (cave-dwelling) species, though the specific ecology of R. umbra remains poorly documented. The species is recorded from the United States.
Rugilus angularis
Rugilus angularis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. It is a small, ground-dwelling beetle with a transcontinental distribution across North America, ranging from Canada through the United States to Mexico. The species was first described by Wilhelm Ferdinand Erichson in 1840. Like other members of the genus Rugilus, it is characterized by its compact body form and association with leaf litter and soil habitats.
Rugilus rudis
Rugilus rudis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by J.L. LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Paederinae and tribe Lathrobiini. The species is native to eastern North America, with documented occurrence records from the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Like other members of the genus Rugilus, it is a small, ground-dwelling beetle likely associated with leaf litter and soil habitats.
Scaphinotus
Snail-eating Beetles
Scaphinotus is a genus of flightless ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 55-60 species native exclusively to North America. These beetles are specialized snail predators, with their distribution and habitat use tightly linked to moist environments where their gastropod prey occur. The genus is notable for its large body size among carabids (typically 15-25 mm), elongated mandibles adapted for extracting snails from shells, and complete absence of flight capability due to reduced hindwings. Research on Scaphinotus angusticollis in managed forests of British Columbia indicates that 30-meter riparian reserves effectively maintain population sizes and movement patterns comparable to unharvested forests.
Scaphinotus andrewsii
Andrew's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus andrewsii is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Andrew's Snail-eating Beetle. It is found in North America, where it inhabits moist areas and preys primarily on snails. The species exhibits a dark, black exoskeleton with a somewhat elongated head and thorax. Seven subspecies are recognized, distributed across the Appalachian region from Pennsylvania south to Georgia.
Scaphinotus angulatus
Angular Snail-eating Beetle, Angulate Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus angulatus is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the angular snail-eating beetle. It is a specialist predator of snails, possessing elongated mandibles adapted for extracting prey from shells. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal. The species is restricted to temperate coniferous rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
Scaphinotus angusticollis
Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus angusticollis is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the narrow-collared snail-eating beetle. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), gregarious, and nocturnal. The species exhibits regional color polymorphism, with individuals appearing in dark black or deep red morphs. It has been observed preying on snails, slugs, earthworms, and spiders.
Scaphinotus behrensi
Behrens' Snail-eating Beetle, Behren's snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus behrensi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Behrens' Snail-eating Beetle. It is endemic to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, occurring in California and Oregon. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, inhabiting temperate coniferous rainforests. The species belongs to the tribe Cychrini, a group of large carabid beetles known as 'snail hunters' due to their specialized diet.
Scaphinotus bilobus
Bilobed Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus bilobus, commonly known as the bilobed snail-eating beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is a brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal predator specialized in feeding on snails. The species occurs across a broad swath of North America, ranging from eastern Canada through the Great Lakes region and into the north-central United States.
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 cavicollis
Concave-collared Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus cavicollis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the concave-collared snail-eating beetle. It is a member of the Cychrini tribe, a group of large, nocturnal carabids specialized for snail predation. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and flightless, and have been observed to be nocturnally active. The species occurs in coniferous forest habitats in the south-central United States.
Scaphinotus cordatus
Heart-shaped Thorax Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus cordatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Heart-shaped Thorax Snail-eating Beetle. It is found in North America, specifically in California, where it inhabits coastal mixed forests. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait common in the genus Scaphinotus. The species belongs to the tribe Cychrini, a group of large ground beetles often referred to as "snail hunters" due to their specialized diet.
Scaphinotus debilis
weakly thorax snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus debilis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, placed in the tribe Cychrini. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States, with records from Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate S. d. debilis and S. d. alpinus, the latter restricted to high-elevation areas of North Carolina. Like other members of its genus, it is a specialized predator of land snails.
Scaphinotus elevatus
eastern snail eater, Large-thoraxed Snail-eating Beetle, elevated thorax snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus elevatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the eastern snail eater. It is one of the larger carabid beetles in North America, with most individuals measuring at least 15 mm in length. The species belongs to the Carabinae subfamily, which includes the so-called 'caterpillar hunters' and 'snail hunters'—giant ground beetles closely related to tiger beetles. Six subspecies are recognized, distributed across eastern, central, and southwestern North America.
Scaphinotus elevatus coloradensis
Scaphinotus elevatus coloradensis is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Van Dyke in 1907. It belongs to the subfamily Carabinae, which includes the so-called "caterpillar hunters" and "snail hunters"—large, charismatic beetles known for their prominent mandibles. The subspecies epithet "coloradensis" indicates its association with Colorado, and records indicate it occurs in the western United States and Canada. Like other members of the genus Scaphinotus, it is likely a nocturnal predator adapted to montane or foothill habitats.
Scaphinotus elevatus flammeus
Scaphinotus elevatus flammeus is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the tribe Cychrini, a group of carabid beetles commonly known as snail-eating beetles due to their specialized feeding habits. The subspecies was described by Haldeman in 1844 and is distributed in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Scaphinotus, it is likely adapted to moist forest habitats where its prey is abundant.
Scaphinotus fissicollis
Cleft-collared Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus fissicollis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the cleft-collared snail-eating beetle. It belongs to the tribe Cychrini, a group of large, specialized ground beetles often referred to as "snail hunters" due to their elongated head and mandibles adapted for extracting snails from their shells. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait common in this genus that reflects their ground-dwelling, non-flying lifestyle. The species occurs in the central United States.
Scaphinotus guyotii
Guyot's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus guyotii is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Guyot's Snail-eating Beetle. It is a specialized snail predator found in the Appalachian region of eastern North America, inhabiting montane coniferous and mixed deciduous forests. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, reflecting adaptations to their forest floor habitat and predatory lifestyle. The species is named in honor of Arnold Henry Guyot, a 19th-century geographer and geologist.
Scaphinotus hoffmani
Scaphinotus hoffmani is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Barr in 2009. It belongs to the subfamily Carabinae, a group of large, predatory beetles commonly known as caterpillar hunters and snail hunters. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with moist woodland habitats where it preys on snails and other invertebrates.
Scaphinotus incompletus
incomplete snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus incompletus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the incomplete snail-eating beetle. It is one of the "snail-eating beetles" in the genus Scaphinotus, characterized by adaptations for predation on terrestrial mollusks. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait common in this genus that reflects their ground-dwelling lifestyle and reduced need for flight. The species is known from a restricted range in the Appalachian region of the eastern United States.
Scaphinotus infletus
Forgotten Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus infletus, commonly known as the forgotten snail-eating beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is endemic to North America, with known occurrence in Arkansas. The species is characterized by brachypterous (short-winged) adults and inhabits moist, shaded environments. As a member of the genus Scaphinotus, it is presumed to be a molluscivore, feeding on snails and slugs.
Scaphinotus johnsoni
Johnson's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus johnsoni is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the snail-eating beetles. It is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, where it inhabits coniferous forests in montane and subalpine zones. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), flightless, and nocturnal, with gregarious tendencies. As a member of the genus Scaphinotus, it is presumed to be a molluscivore, using its elongated jaws to extract snails from their shells.
Scaphinotus kelloggi
Kellogg's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus kelloggi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Dury in 1912. It is one of the 'snail hunter' carabids in the genus Scaphinotus, a group characterized by large size, powerful mandibles, and specialized predation on mollusks. The species is known from New Mexico, where it inhabits canyon environments with streams or rivers. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait common in this genus that reflects their ground-dwelling, non-dispersing lifestyle.
Scaphinotus longiceps
Long-headed Snail-eating Beetle, Humboldt ground beetle
Scaphinotus longiceps is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Long-headed Snail-eating Beetle or Humboldt ground beetle. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal. The species inhabits coastal temperate coniferous rainforests and mixed forests in California.
Scaphinotus marginatus
Margined Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus marginatus is a large, flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the margined snail-eating beetle. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, preying exclusively on snails and slugs. The species inhabits coniferous, mixed, and deciduous forests across western North America, typically near streams and lakes. It is distinguished from similar Scaphinotus species by subtle elytral margin characteristics and geographic distribution.
Scaphinotus parisiana
Ozark Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus parisiana, commonly known as the Ozark Snail-eating Beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is endemic to the Ozark region, specifically found in Arkansas within the Ouachita Mountains. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, inhabiting deciduous forest habitats. The species is one of the snail-eating beetles in the genus Scaphinotus, which are specialized predators of terrestrial mollusks.
Scaphinotus petersi
Peters' Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus petersi is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Roeschke in 1907. It belongs to the tribe Cychrini, commonly known as snail-eating beetles, and is endemic to North America. The species exhibits several described subspecies, all restricted to Arizona. Like other members of Scaphinotus, it is adapted for predation on terrestrial snails.
Scaphinotus petersi biedermani
Biederman's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus petersi biedermani is a subspecies of snail-eating ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the nominate subfamily Carabinae, tribe Cychrini, and is one of the larger carabid beetles commonly referred to as 'snail hunters.' The subspecies was described by Roeschke in 1907. Like other members of the genus Scaphinotus, it is presumed to be a specialized predator of snails and other mollusks, utilizing its elongated head and jaws to extract prey from shells.
Scaphinotus petersi catalinae
Catalina Mountains Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus petersi catalinae is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Van Dyke in 1924. It belongs to the nominate subfamily Carabinae, which includes the so-called "snail hunters" and "caterpillar hunters." This subspecies is endemic to the Catalina Mountains of Arizona and is one of the larger members of its genus, with adults typically measuring 15–25 mm in length. Like other members of the genus Scaphinotus, it possesses notably large, sculptured mandibles adapted for predation on snails.
Scaphinotus petersi grahami
Graham's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus petersi grahami is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Van Dyke in 1938. It belongs to the tribe Cychrini, commonly known as snail-eating beetles, characterized by specialized mandibular adaptations for feeding on snails. The subspecies is part of the nominate subgenus Scaphinotus (Scaphinotus) within the genus Scaphinotus.
Scaphinotus petersi kathleenae
Kay's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus petersi kathleenae is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Ball in 1966. It belongs to the genus Scaphinotus, commonly known as snail-eating beetles, within the tribe Cychrini. The subspecies is recognized as valid and accepted in major taxonomic databases.
Scaphinotus petersi petersi
Scaphinotus petersi petersi is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Carabinae, and tribe Cychrini. Like other members of the genus Scaphinotus, it belongs to the group commonly known as 'snail hunters' or 'caterpillar hunters'—large, predatory ground beetles characterized by prominent mandibles. The species was described by Roeschke in 1907. It is currently accepted as valid and is recorded from the United States.
Scaphinotus punctatus
Punctate Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus punctatus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the punctate snail-eating beetle. It is found in forests of Central America and western North America, including California and Baja California. Adults are nocturnal and brachypterous (short-winged). The species has been documented feeding on snails, caterpillars, berries, and other beetles.
Scaphinotus regularis
Measured Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus regularis, commonly known as the measured snail-eating beetle, is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species belongs to the nominate subfamily Carabinae, a group of "snail hunters" and "caterpillar hunters" characterized by their large size and powerful mandibles. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal. The species inhabits forest environments in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
Scaphinotus relictus
Relic Snail-eating Beetle, rilictual snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus relictus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Relic Snail-eating Beetle. This species is found in western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada southward through Idaho, Montana, Washington, and California in the United States. It inhabits deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forest habitats. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal in their activity patterns.
Scaphinotus ridingsii
Ridings' snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus ridingsii is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, classified within the tribe Cychrini (snail-eating beetles). The species was originally described as Cychrus ridingsii by Bland in 1863 and later transferred to Scaphinotus. It is known from North America, with two recognized subspecies: S. r. ridingsii in Virginia and S. r. monongahelae in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. As a member of the Cychrini tribe, it is presumed to be a specialized predator of land snails, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
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.
Scaphinotus rugiceps incipiens
Scaphinotus rugiceps incipiens is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1897. It belongs to the nominate subfamily Carabinae within the tribe Cychrini, commonly known as snail hunters. The genus Scaphinotus comprises large-bodied beetles typically measuring 15-25 mm or more, characterized by prominent mandibular sculpturing. This subspecies is part of the rugiceps species complex within the subgenus Brennus.
Scaphinotus snowi
Snow's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus snowi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Snow's Snail-eating Beetle. It is endemic to North America with a documented range in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The species comprises two recognized subspecies: the nominate S. snowi snowi and S. snowi roeschkei (Roeschke's Snail-eating Beetle), which is restricted to Arizona. Like other members of the genus Scaphinotus, it is specialized for predation on snails.
Scaphinotus snowi snowi
Scaphinotus snowi snowi is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species Scaphinotus snowi is closely related to other members of the genus Scaphinotus, which are specialized predators. Based on records of the nominate species, adults are associated with the host plant Robinia (black locust) and are active during fall. The subspecies is recorded from the United States.
Scaphinotus striatopunctatus
Pore-winged Snail-eating Beetle
A species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the pore-winged snail-eating beetle. It is native to California in western North America, where it inhabits deciduous forests, canyons, and grassy knolls. Adults are distinctive for being brachypterous (short-winged), gregarious, and nocturnal in their activity patterns.
Scaphinotus subtilis
Slender Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus subtilis, commonly known as the slender snail-eating beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is endemic to California in North America. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, and the species is typically found near bodies of water.