Large-beetle
Guides
Archodontes
Archodontes is a monotypic genus of root-boring beetles in the family Cerambycidae, containing the single species Archodontes melanopus. The genus is endemic to Central America and the south-eastern United States, where larvae bore into the roots of oaks and other hardwood trees. Adults are large, robust beetles with distinctive spiny thoracic margins and dark coloration.
Calosoma externum
Narrow Searcher Beetle, Churchyard Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma externum is a large predatory ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the narrow searcher beetle or churchyard caterpillar hunter. First described by Thomas Say in 1823, this species is notable for its arboreal hunting behavior, ascending trees to prey on caterpillars. Adults reach 28–35 mm in length and are distinguished by their black bodies with bluish marginal reflections. The species occurs across much of the United States and into southern Canada.
Chalcolepidius apacheanus
Apache click beetle
Chalcolepidius apacheanus is a large click beetle (family Elateridae) native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species belongs to a genus characterized by metallic coloration and substantial body size among click beetles. Field observations indicate adults are associated with dead or dying coniferous trees, particularly ponderosa pine, where they have been observed at the base of trunks and in association with wood-boring beetle galleries. The species is active during summer months in montane pine-oak woodlands.
Lampetis drummondi
Drummond's metallic wood-boring beetle
Lampetis drummondi is a large, metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, reaching up to 50 mm in length. Adults are brilliant blue-green in color with distinctive punctation patterns on the elytra. The species occurs in the desert southwest of North America and Central America. Adults are often found resting on small trees and shrubs, particularly persimmon (Diospyros texana) in western Texas, and are notably sluggish and easily captured by hand. The larval biology remained unknown until 2004, when larvae were discovered feeding in living willow (Salix gooddingii) wood at the soil line.
Megasoma sleeperi
Sleeper's Elephant Beetle
Megasoma sleeperi is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is endemic to the Algodones Dunes of southeastern California and adjacent areas of southwestern Arizona and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Megasoma, it is among the largest beetles in North America. Males possess prominent horns used in combat with other males. The species was described by Hardy in 1972 and is named in honor of collector R. C. Sleeper.
Platydracus maculosus
Brown Rove Beetle
Platydracus maculosus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Brown Rove Beetle. It is among the largest members of its family in North America, measuring 22-35 millimeters in length. The species is a predatory insect attracted to decomposing organic matter and fungi, where it hunts other insects. It has been documented across eastern North America and is recognized as a significant presence in forensic entomology contexts due to its attraction to carrion.
Stenodontes chevrolati
Chevrolat's tropical long-horned beetle
Stenodontes chevrolati is a species of long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Prioninae. It is one of the largest cerambycid species in North America, with males reaching substantial size. The species occurs in the Caribbean and southern North America, where adults are attracted to lights and have been documented in oak woodland habitats. Larval development occurs in living oak trees, with adults emerging after several years of subterranean feeding on roots.
Strategus antaeus
ox beetle, smooth ox beetle
Strategus antaeus, commonly known as the ox beetle or smooth ox beetle, is a large rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is the second largest beetle in eastern North America. The species occurs in xeric sand prairie remnants and is associated with oak trees, particularly Quercus marilandica (post oak). Live individuals are rarely encountered; carcass remnants are typically found at the base of host trees.