Ground-beetle
Guides
Bradycellus neglectus
Mackinac Island Harp Ground Beetle
Bradycellus neglectus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, known by the common name Mackinac Island Harp Ground Beetle. The species was described by LeConte in 1847. It occurs in North America, with distribution records from Canada and the United States. The species is represented by few observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underrecorded.
Bradycellus nigerrimus Lindroth, 1968
Prairie Black Harp Ground Beetle
Bradycellus nigerrimus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Lindroth in 1968. It occurs in North America, with records from both Canada and the United States. The species is known by the common name Prairie Black Harp Ground Beetle. Very few observations exist in public databases, with only three records documented on iNaturalist.
Bradycellus nitidus
Bradycellus nitidus is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, tribe Bradycellini. The species was described by Dejean in 1829 and is currently accepted as valid. It occurs in North America, with documented records from Canada and the United States. As a member of Bradycellus, it belongs to a genus of small carabid beetles often associated with open, dry habitats.
Bradycellus politus
Shiny Harp Ground Beetle
Bradycellus politus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Fall in 1905. Known commonly as the Shiny Harp Ground Beetle, this species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The genus Bradycellus comprises small to medium-sized ground beetles typically associated with open, dry habitats. Information on the specific biology of B. politus remains limited in published literature.
Bradycellus rupestris
Rock-dwelling Harp Ground Beetle
Bradycellus rupestris is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, found in North America. It is commonly known as the Rock-dwelling Harp Ground Beetle, a name reflecting its association with rocky habitats. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823. Records indicate presence in both Canada and the United States.
Bradycellus semipubescens
Des Fées Lake Harp Ground Beetle
Bradycellus semipubescens is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Lindroth in 1968. It belongs to a genus of predominantly Palaearctic and Nearctic species associated with open, often sandy or gravelly habitats. The species is known from limited records in Canada and the United States.
Bradycellus veronianus
Bradycellus veronianus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1924. It belongs to the genus Bradycellus, a group of small to medium-sized carabid beetles commonly found in North America. The species is documented from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited.
Broscodera
Broscodera is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by Lindroth in 1961. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed across East Asia and western North America. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Broscinae, a group of predominantly nocturnal beetles often associated with moist habitats. The genus shows a disjunct distribution pattern, with species occurring in China, Nepal, and the Pacific Northwest of North America.
Broscodera insignis
Broscodera insignis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Broscinae. It was originally described as Miscodera insignis by Mannerheim in 1852 and later transferred to the genus Broscodera. The species is documented from North America, with distribution records including Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. As a member of the subfamily Broscinae, it belongs to a group of ground beetles often associated with cool, moist habitats.
Broscus
Broscus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, tribe Broscini. The genus is native to the Palearctic, Nearctic, Near East, and North Africa. It contains approximately 25 described species, including several island endemics such as Broscus crassimargo on La Gomera (Canary Islands).
Broscus cephalotes
coastal ground beetle
Broscus cephalotes is a nocturnal, flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to coastal regions of temperate Europe and western Siberia, and was introduced to eastern Canada around 1975, subsequently spreading into the United States. The species is recognized as beneficial in agricultural contexts due to its predatory habits.
Calathus advena
Calathus advena is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, found in North America. It was described by LeConte in 1846 and has been placed in the genus Acalathus by some taxonomic treatments, though it is currently accepted as Calathus advena. The species is recorded from Alaska, Canada, and the United States.
Calathus fuscipes
Calathus fuscipes is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Platyninae, characterized by its black body and reddish to black legs. Adults measure 10–14 mm in length with a slightly rounded pronotum. The species has a broad European distribution, though it is absent from several small states and islands. It has also been introduced to North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
Calathus opaculus
Calathus opaculus is a species of 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 Calathus, it belongs to a diverse group of more than 150 species, most of which are ground-dwelling beetles.
Calathus ruficollis grandicollis
A subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1920. The subspecific epithet "grandicollis" (large neck) suggests a relatively large pronotum compared to other members of the species. As a member of the genus Calathus, it is likely a nocturnal, predatory beetle inhabiting ground-level environments.
Calathus ruficollis ignicollis
Calathus ruficollis ignicollis is a flightless ground beetle subspecies endemic to the Transverse Ranges of southern California. First described by Casey in 1920, it represents the southern Sierra Nevada population of the broader C. ruficollis complex. Phylogeographic studies indicate this subspecies is genetically distinct from populations south and west, corresponding to a deep mitochondrial split within the species. Despite being flightless, the species shows limited geographic structure, suggesting recent range expansion or gene flow across mountain barriers.
Calathus ruficollis ruficollis
A flightless ground beetle subspecies distributed across southern California from Santa Barbara County to northern Baja California, including several Channel Islands. The subspecies is distinguished from the southern Sierra Nevada population (C. r. ignicollis) by genetic and geographic separation. Despite being flightless, populations show limited phylogeographic structure across the species' range, suggesting recent population expansion and gene flow across potential geographic barriers.
Calleida
Calleida is a large genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, tribe Lebiini, comprising more than 300 species. The genus is distributed across multiple continents with significant diversity in the Oriental Region. Oriental species have been organized into nine species groups based on external morphology and genitalia characters. At least one North American species, C. viridipennis, has been documented as a predator of lepidopteran pests.
Calleida decora
Calleida decora is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. The species was described by Fabricius in 1801 and is currently treated as a synonym of Calleida cordicollis. It belongs to a diverse genus of predatory beetles distributed across the Americas. Records indicate occurrence in Belize, Mexico, and the United States.
Calleida platynoides
Calleida platynoides is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1882. The genus Calleida comprises approximately 100 species distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with this species representing one of the North American members. Like other carabid beetles, it is a predatory insect. The species has been documented from both the United States and Mexico.
Calleida punctata
Calleida punctata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is distributed across North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. As a member of the genus Calleida, it belongs to a group of colorful, often metallic ground beetles sometimes referred to as 'searchers.' The species is documented in citizen science platforms with numerous observation records, suggesting it is regularly encountered in appropriate habitats.
Calleida punctulata
Calleida punctulata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1848. It is found in North America, with distribution records from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. The species belongs to the genus Calleida, a group of small to medium-sized predatory beetles. Available information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Calleida purpurea
Calleida purpurea is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, distributed across North America. It belongs to the genus Calleida, a group of often colorful predatory beetles. The specific epithet "purpurea" suggests a purple coloration, though detailed documentation of this species remains limited in available sources.
Calleida viridipennis
Calleida viridipennis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, characterized by a metallic green-black exoskeleton, large eyes, and functional wings enabling flight. It is a spring breeder that overwinters as an adult under tree bark, emerging in late February or early March. The species is a documented predator of specific insect larvae, including the tortoise beetle Hemisphaerota cyanea and the fruittree leafroller Archips argyrospila.
Calosoma affine
related beautiful black searcher
Calosoma affine is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by Maximilien Chaudoir in 1843. It is one of the so-called "caterpillar hunters," large predatory beetles known for ascending trees to feed on caterpillars. The species occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, where adults are active both day and night and exhibit gregarious behavior.
Calosoma angulatum
angulate caterpillar hunter
Calosoma angulatum, commonly known as the angulate caterpillar hunter, is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae. First described by Chevrolat in 1834, this species ranges from the southwestern United States through Central America into northern South America. It inhabits premontane moist forests and oak-savannah ecosystems. Adults are known to prey on Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm), indicating a role as a predator of agricultural pest caterpillars.
Calosoma aurocinctum
gold-ringed caterpillar hunter, Texas Green Calosoma
Calosoma aurocinctum is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the gold-ringed caterpillar hunter or Texas Green Calosoma. It was described by Maximilien Chaudoir in 1850. The species occurs from Texas south through Mexico to Central America, inhabiting lowland to mid-elevation areas. As a member of the caterpillar hunter genus Calosoma, it likely exhibits arboreal foraging behavior to prey on caterpillars, though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited.
Calosoma discors
different beautiful black searcher
Calosoma discors is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1857. This species is known from California and Washington, where it inhabits coastal grasslands and oak savannahs in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Adults are brachypterous, meaning they have reduced wings that limit flight capability.
Calosoma eremicola
solitary caterpillar hunter
Calosoma eremicola, the solitary caterpillar hunter, is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae. It was described by Fall in 1910 and is found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Baja California. The species inhabits the eastern Mojave Desert vegetation zone.
Calosoma frigidum
Cold-country Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma frigidum is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the cold-country caterpillar hunter. First described by William Kirby in 1837, this species occurs throughout southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults are nocturnal predators that climb trees to hunt caterpillars, hiding under debris during daylight hours. The species shows sensitivity to soil temperature changes, with elevated temperatures causing adults to abandon their burrows.
Calosoma lepidum
neat beautiful black searcher
Calosoma lepidum is a ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1844. Adults are sub-brachypterous, indicating reduced flight capability. The species inhabits open prairie habitats with short grass in the northern Great Plains and adjacent montane regions.
Calosoma luxatum
dislocated beautiful black searcher
Calosoma luxatum, commonly known as the dislocated beautiful black searcher, is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Adults are brachypterous, meaning they have reduced wings and are flightless. The species is distributed across western and central North America, from the Canadian prairies through the western United States. It inhabits open short grass prairies and dry forest clearings, where it hunts as an active predator.
Calosoma macrum
long caterpillar hunter
Calosoma macrum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the long caterpillar hunter. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it inhabits mid-elevation open areas. Adults are active predators that hunt caterpillars, including arboreal species.
Calosoma marginale
rimmed caterpillar hunter, Wrinkle-winged Calosoma
A large ground beetle in the genus Calosoma, commonly known as the rimmed caterpillar hunter. Adults are crepuscular and active predators that hunt caterpillars and scarabaeid beetles. The species occurs across a broad geographic range from Central America through the southern and central United States. Adults overwinter in the ground.
Calosoma monticola
mountain beautiful black searcher
Calosoma monticola is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1913. It is found in the western United States, where it inhabits sagebrush areas. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and have been documented preying on various soil-dwelling insect larvae and other beetles. The species belongs to a genus known for active predation on caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.
Calosoma prominens
projecting caterpillar hunter
Calosoma prominens is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the caterpillar hunter genus Calosoma, known for arboreal foraging behavior targeting caterpillar prey. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it inhabits arid scrublands dominated by acacia and cactus vegetation. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a voracious predator of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.
Calosoma sayi
Black Caterpillar Hunter, Say's Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma sayi is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the Black Caterpillar Hunter or Say's Caterpillar Hunter. It is one of the largest carabid beetles in North America, measuring 25–28 mm in length. Unlike many congeners, it lacks metallic coloration, instead appearing uniformly lustrous black. Both adults and larvae are active predators that specialize in hunting caterpillars and other soft-bodied insect larvae.
Calosoma scrutator
Fiery Searcher, Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma scrutator is a large, predatory ground beetle native to North America, commonly known as the Fiery Searcher or Caterpillar Hunter. Adults reach 25–35 mm in length and display striking metallic coloration. The species is primarily nocturnal and climbs vegetation to hunt caterpillars, earning its common name. When disturbed, it excretes a foul-smelling defensive oil from pygidial glands. It serves as an important biological control agent for defoliating insect pests.
Calosoma semilaeve
Black Calosoma, Semi-smooth Beautiful Black Searcher
Calosoma semilaeve is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the black calosoma or semi-smooth beautiful black searcher. First described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851, this species inhabits cultivated fields and roadsides in the western United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Calosoma, it is an active predator of caterpillars and other insects.
Calosoma simplex
simple beautiful black searcher
Calosoma simplex is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. It belongs to the genus Calosoma, whose members are known for arboreal hunting behaviors and caterpillar predation. The species occurs in southwestern North America, including parts of the United States and Mexico. Like other Calosoma species, it likely functions as a predator of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.
Calosoma splendidum
Splendid Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma splendidum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Dejean in 1831. It is distributed across the Caribbean, southeastern United States, and Mexico. The species is notable for its metallic green to golden-green or light brown coloration and its absence of the red elytral border found in related species.
Calosoma subaeneum
coppery beautiful black searcher
Calosoma subaeneum is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by Maximilien Chaudoir in 1869. It belongs to the genus Calosoma, commonly known as caterpillar hunters or searchers, which are large predatory beetles. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait that limits dispersal ability. The species occurs in lowland areas of western North America.
Calosoma sycophanta
forest caterpillar hunter, Agreeable Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma sycophanta is a large, metallic ground beetle renowned for its specialized predation on caterpillars. Adults reach 21–35 mm in length and display striking iridescent green elytra with a bluish scutellum, though coloration shifts with light angle to show blue, bronze, copper, gold, or black tones. Both adults and larvae are arboreal hunters, ascending trees to prey on caterpillars including Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth), Thaumetopoea processionea (oak processionary), and Thaumetopoea pityocampa. The species is diurnal and visually orients toward dark objects and tree bases in forests. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America for biological control and is now established in the northeastern United States.
Carabus chamissonis
Fisher's worm and slug hunter
Carabus chamissonis is a ground beetle species restricted to tundra environments across northern North America. It occupies open, dry tundra habitats with better drainage than those used by the related Carabus truncaticollis. The species exhibits brachyptery (reduced wings) and nocturnal activity patterns. Adults overwinter within their own pupal cavities, an unusual behavior among ground beetles. Disjunct populations occur on isolated mountaintops in New England, far south of the main Arctic range.
Carabus finitimus
Haldeman's worm and slug hunter
Carabus finitimus is a bluish-colored ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It inhabits bottomland forests along rivers in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal. The common name "Haldeman's worm and slug hunter" reflects its predatory habits.
Carabus forreri
Forrer's worm and slug hunter
Carabus forreri is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, known from dry oak-pine forests in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal. The species is part of the large genus Carabus, which includes many predatory ground beetles.
Carabus goryi
Gory's worm and slug hunter
Carabus goryi is a North American ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Gory's worm and slug hunter. The species inhabits cool, moist forests as well as agricultural settings including orchards and cultivated fields. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal, and exhibit gregarious behavior. They are predatory, feeding on soft-bodied insect larvae including those of the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar).
Carabus granulatus
Granulated Ground Beetle
Carabus granulatus is a small, winged ground beetle native to the Palearctic, ranging from Ireland to the Russian Far East, with introduced populations in North America. Adults measure 14–20 mm and exhibit metallic greenish-bronze, green, or occasionally black coloration with distinctive granulated elytra. Unlike most Carabus species, it has retained functional flight ability, though it primarily remains ground-dwelling. The species occupies diverse habitats including forests, fields, prairies, taiga, river margins, fens, lakeshores, and upland peat, occasionally occurring in gardens.
Carabus maeander maeander
Carabus maeander maeander is a subspecies of ground beetle described by Fischer von Waldheim in 1820. It belongs to the genus Carabus, one of the most species-rich genera of ground beetles. The subspecies occurs across a broad Holarctic range including parts of North America and Asia. As a member of the Carabidae family, it is presumed to be a predatory beetle based on the well-documented feeding ecology of the genus, though specific studies on this subspecies are limited.
Carabus nemoralis
Bronze Ground Beetle, Bronze Carabid
Carabus nemoralis is a large ground beetle native to central and northern Europe, Iceland, and parts of Asia. It has been introduced to North America and New Zealand, where it is actively expanding its range. Adults measure 20–25 mm and are active year-round. The species is recognized as a beneficial predator in agricultural systems, with documented effectiveness against slugs and other pests.