Predatory-beetle
Guides
Chlaenius vafer
Chlaenius vafer is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1852. It belongs to the genus Chlaenius, a diverse group of often colorful ground beetles commonly known as "vivid metallic ground beetles." The species is found in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a predatory beetle, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Chlaenius variabilipes
Chlaenius variabilipes is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Eschscholtz in 1833. The species belongs to the genus Chlaenius, a diverse group of carabid beetles commonly known as "vivid metallic ground beetles" for their often striking coloration. Records indicate presence in the United States and North America broadly. As with most Chlaenius species, it is presumed to be a predatory beetle, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Cicindela formosa generosa
Eastern Big Sand Tiger Beetle, Eastern Sand Tiger Beetle
Cicindela formosa generosa, the Eastern Big Sand Tiger Beetle, is a robust, visually striking tiger beetle subspecies found in deep, dry sand habitats across the Great Plains and north-central United States. Adults are characterized by dark brown dorsal coloration with bold, thick white markings on the elytra that are separate dorsally and joined along the outer edges. The subspecies exhibits distinctive behavioral traits including powerful escape flights ending in characteristic bounces and tumbles, and a preference for foraging in sparsely vegetated areas rather than completely barren sand. Populations in Missouri sometimes show coppery-red coloration, possibly related to soil chemistry rather than genetic differentiation from the western nominotypical subspecies.
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens
Mescalero Sand Tiger Beetle
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens is a sand dune endemic subspecies of tiger beetle restricted to the Mescalero Sands region of southeastern New Mexico and adjacent Texas. First described by Rumpp in 1986, it is distinguished from other C. formosa subspecies by its distinctive greenish-red to coppery coloration. The subspecies is active in late summer and fall, with adults running on open sandy surfaces. It is considered uncommon and patchily distributed within its restricted habitat range.
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Prairie Long-lipped Tiger Beetle, Black-bellied Tiger Beetle
Cicindela nebraskana is a small tiger beetle endemic to the Great Plains of western North America. The species is distinguished by its elongated labrum (upper lip), which gives adults a notably long-faced appearance compared to congeners. Males possess bright white labrum and mandibles, while females show partially or completely dark mouthparts. The species is considered rare and has been documented at very few localities despite its relatively broad geographic range.
Cicindela parowana platti
Platt's Tiger Beetle
Cicindela parowana platti is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Cazier in 1937. It belongs to the widespread genus Cicindela, which contains numerous fast-running, predatory beetles. The subspecies is part of the parowana species group and is known from western North America.
Cicindela tranquebarica sierra
Sierra Tiger Beetle
The Sierra Tiger Beetle is a montane subspecies of the common tiger beetle Cicindela tranquebarica, restricted to the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It represents a high-elevation form distinguished from lowland populations by its coloration and habitat association. Like other tiger beetles, it is a fast-running, visually oriented predator active during daylight hours. The subspecies designation reflects both geographic isolation and morphological differentiation from nominate C. tranquebarica populations.
Cicindelidia haemorrhagica arizonae
Arizona wetsalts tiger beetle
Cicindelidia haemorrhagica arizonae is a subspecies of the wetsalts tiger beetle, a member of the family Cicindelidae. The nominate subspecies C. h. haemorrhagica is known for its remarkable ability to inhabit hot springs environments in Yellowstone National Park, where it tolerates temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F). Adults display the characteristic run-stop-run hunting behavior typical of tiger beetles. The subspecies epithet 'arizonae' suggests a geographic association with Arizona, though specific ecological data for this subspecies is limited.
Cicindelidia melissa
Melissa's Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia melissa, commonly known as Melissa's Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species was described by Duran and Roman in 2014 and is currently classified under the genus Cicindelidia. Tiger beetles in this genus are known for their fast-running predatory behavior and often striking coloration. The specific epithet 'melissa' honors an individual, though the exact namesake is not documented in available sources.
Cicindelidia obsoleta
Large Grassland Tiger Beetle, Prairie Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia obsoleta is a large tiger beetle species distributed across grassland habitats in central North America, from Texas through Oklahoma and northward into the Great Plains. The species exhibits notable geographic variation, with the nominate subspecies C. o. obsoleta occurring in the western portion of its range and displaying predominantly black coloration, while the disjunct Missouri/Arkansas population (C. o. vulturina) shows green to olive-green coloration. Adults are active during fall months, with the disjunct population showing a phenologic shift to cooler autumn activity compared to the summer-active main population. The species is among the largest North American tiger beetles, with adults reaching sizes comparable only to Tetracha virginica in its eastern range.
Cicindelidia rufiventris
Eastern Red-bellied Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia rufiventris is a tiger beetle species found in the eastern and central United States, characterized by its distinctive red-orange abdomen visible during flight. Formerly classified in the genus Cicindela, it was moved to Cicindelidia based on phylogenetic studies. The species shows clinal variation in coloration and maculation across its range, with southern populations exhibiting blue coloration and reduced maculations. It is primarily active during summer months and is associated with rocky, open habitats in the Ozark Highlands and similar regions.
Cicindelini
tiger beetles, flashy tiger beetles
Cicindelini is a tribe of tiger beetles comprising approximately 80% of the family's genera and species diversity. The tribe contains over 90 genera and more than 2,000 described species, making it one of the most species-rich groups within the ground beetle assemblage. Members are characterized by their diurnal activity patterns, rapid running speed, and distinctive predatory behaviors. The tribe exhibits broad geographic distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions, though species occur across all continents except Antarctica.
Collops confluens
convergent collops beetle
Collops confluens is a soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, subfamily Malachiinae. The species is closely related to Collops vittatus, with which it shares the characteristic soft, flexible elytra that distinguish this family from most beetles. Like other Collops species, it is a predatory beetle found in association with flowers and vegetation. The genus name "Collops" derives from Greek meaning "knob" or "lump," referring to the swollen hind femora characteristic of males in this genus. Adults are typically active during warmer months and are attracted to flowers where they prey on small arthropods.
Collops crusoe
Collops crusoe is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles frequently found on flowers where they feed on other small insects. Like other members of this genus, C. crusoe likely plays a role as a beneficial predator in agricultural and natural ecosystems. The species has been documented through a limited number of observations, indicating it may be uncommon, locally distributed, or underreported.
Collops dux
Collops dux is a species of soft-winged flower beetle (family Melyridae). Members of the genus Collops are predatory beetles frequently associated with flowering plants, where they feed on small arthropods and utilize extrafloral nectaries for hydration and nutrients. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published biological or ecological data available.
Collops limbellus
collops beetle, soft-winged flower beetle
Collops limbellus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. It belongs to a genus of predatory beetles frequently encountered on flowers, where they feed on smaller arthropods. The species is documented from western North America, with observations spanning arid and semi-arid regions. Like other members of the genus Collops, it likely plays a role as a generalist predator in agricultural and natural systems.
Collops marginicollis
Collops marginicollis is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles frequently associated with flowering plants, where they hunt small arthropods. Adults are typically found on vegetation during the growing season. Like other melyrids, they possess soft, flexible elytra that distinguish them from most beetles.
Collops pulchellus
Collops pulchellus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. Records indicate it has been collected on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) in shortgrass prairie habitats of Oklahoma and New Mexico. The species appears to be associated with late-season flowering of its host plants, with observations in September and October. Like other members of the genus Collops, adults are likely predatory on small insects visiting the same flowers.
Collops tibialis
Collops tibialis is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. It belongs to the genus Collops, a group of predatory beetles commonly found in North American habitats. The species is documented in entomological collections and has been recorded in citizen science observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Colymbetes longulus
Colymbetes longulus is a species of diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by LeConte in 1862. It belongs to the subfamily Colymbetinae, a group of predatory aquatic beetles. The genus Colymbetes is among the more diverse genera of diving beetles, with species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Like other members of its family, this species is adapted to life in freshwater habitats.
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
Mealybug Destroyer, Mealybug Ladybird
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a small ladybird beetle native to eastern Australia, widely used as a biological control agent against mealybugs and scale insects in agricultural and horticultural systems globally. Adults are approximately 6 mm long with dark brown elytra and orange-brown head, pronotum, and appendages. Larvae reach 14–15 mm and are covered in white waxy filaments that provide aggressive mimicry of their mealybug prey, potentially protecting them from ant aggression. The species has been introduced to numerous regions including California (1891), Europe, and New Zealand for classical biological control of citrus mealybug and related pests.
Cymatodera angustata
Cymatodera angustata is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. The species was described by Spinola in 1844 and occurs in Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Cymatodera, it belongs to a group of clerid beetles commonly associated with predatory habits on other insects, though species-specific biology for C. angustata remains poorly documented.
Cymatodera bicolor
Bicolored Checkered Beetle
Cymatodera bicolor is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia) and the United States. The species epithet 'bicolor' refers to its two-toned coloration. As a member of Cleridae, it belongs to a family commonly known as checkered beetles, many of which are predatory on other insects.
Cymatodera decipiens
Cymatodera decipiens is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, described by Fall in 1906. It belongs to a genus of predatory beetles commonly associated with flowers and woody vegetation. The species is known from western North America, with records extending into British Columbia, Canada.
Cymatodera fuchsii
checkered beetle
Cymatodera fuchsii is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, described by Schaeffer in 1904. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Checkered beetles in the family Cleridae are predatory insects, though specific ecological details for C. fuchsii remain poorly documented. The genus Cymatodera belongs to the subfamily Tillinae, a group characterized by elongated bodies and predatory habits.
Cymatodera fuscula
Cymatodera fuscula is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, first described by LeConte in 1852. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Members of the genus Cymatodera are predatory beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Cymatodera horni
checkered beetle
Cymatodera horni is a species of checkered beetle described by Wolcott in 1910. It belongs to the family Cleridae, a group of predatory beetles often associated with wood-boring insects. The species is documented from both Central America and North America. Records are sparse, with limited published biological information available.
Cymatodera neomexicana
New Mexican checkered beetle
Cymatodera neomexicana is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, first described by Knull in 1934. It belongs to the subfamily Tillinae, which includes predatory clerids that typically feed on other insects. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Cymatodera scitula
Cymatodera scitula is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, described by Barr in 1972. It belongs to the subfamily Tillinae, a group of predatory beetles commonly known as
Cymatodera sirpata
Pale-tipped Cymatodera
Cymatodera sirpata is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1885. It is native to North America and has been documented through over 300 iNaturalist observations. The species belongs to a genus of clerid beetles known for their predatory habits and association with various woody plants.
Cymatodera tricolor
Cymatodera tricolor is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, first described by Skinner in 1905. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of Cleridae, it belongs to a family commonly known as checkered beetles, many of which are predatory and associated with wood-boring insects.
Cymatodera tuta
Cymatodera tuta is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. The species was described by Wolcott in 1910. It is known from Middle America and North America. The genus Cymatodera includes predatory species that feed on other insects.
Cymatodera usta
Cymatodera usta is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, first described by LeConte in 1858. The genus Cymatodera comprises predatory beetles commonly known as checkered beetles due to their distinctive color patterns. Members of this genus are typically found in association with woody vegetation where they prey on other insects.
Cymatodera xavierae
Cymatodera xavierae is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, first described by Knull in 1940. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Cymatodera, it belongs to a group of predatory beetles commonly known as checkered beetles due to their patterned coloration.
Cymindis pilosa
Cymindis pilosa is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to the genus Cymindis, a group of small to medium-sized carabid beetles. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of Carabidae, it is likely predatory, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Cymindis seriata
Cymindis seriata is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Hatch in 1953. It belongs to the genus Cymindis, a diverse group of predatory beetles commonly known as hairy ground beetles. The species is known from the United States, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Dasytes plumbeus
Dasytes plumbeus is a soft-bodied beetle in the family Melyridae, native to the Palearctic region and introduced to North America. Adults are small, metallic gray to lead-colored beetles with soft elytra characteristic of the family. The species is frequently observed and well-documented, with over 3,000 iNaturalist observations. It belongs to a genus of predatory or pollen-feeding beetles commonly known as soft-winged flower beetles.
Dicaelus alternans
Dicaelus alternans is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, genus Dicaelus. Members of this genus are commonly known as notched-mouthed ground beetles. The genus Dicaelus is characterized by distinctive mandibular notches. Like other ground beetles, D. alternans is likely a predatory species, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been observed in xeric rhyolite prairie habitats.
Dicaelus ambiguus
notched-mouthed ground beetle
Dicaelus ambiguus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by LaFerté-Sénectère in 1841. It belongs to the genus Dicaelus, commonly known as notched-mouthed ground beetles. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle inhabiting terrestrial environments.
Dicaelus chermocki
notched-mouth ground beetle
Dicaelus chermocki is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by George Ball in 1959. It belongs to the genus Dicaelus, commonly known as notched-mouth ground beetles, characterized by a distinctive emargination on the labrum. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Dicaelus crenatus
notched-mouth ground beetle
Dicaelus crenatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the genus Dicaelus, commonly known as notched-mouth ground beetles. The species has been documented in North America, with observational records from the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a predatory beetle associated with terrestrial habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited in available literature.
Dicaelus dilatatus
notched-mouthed ground beetle
Dicaelus dilatatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species belongs to the genus Dicaelus, commonly known as notched-mouthed ground beetles. It occurs in North America with two recognized subspecies: Dicaelus dilatatus dilatatus and Dicaelus dilatatus sinuatus. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle inhabiting terrestrial environments.
Dicaelus furvus
notched-mouthed ground beetle
Dicaelus furvus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the genus Dicaelus, commonly known as notched-mouthed ground beetles. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from the United States. Two subspecies are recognized: Dicaelus furvus furvus (Dejean, 1826) and Dicaelus furvus carinatus (Dejean, 1831). Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle typically found in terrestrial habitats.
Dicaelus laevipennis
notched-mouth ground beetle
Dicaelus laevipennis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to North America, with records from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The species belongs to the genus Dicaelus, commonly known as notched-mouth ground beetles, characterized by their distinctive mandibular structure. Three subspecies have been described: D. l. laevipennis, D. l. abbreviatus, and D. l. flohri.
Dicaelus quadratus
notched-mouthed ground beetle
Dicaelus quadratus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1847. It belongs to the genus Dicaelus, commonly known as notched-mouthed ground beetles, characterized by a distinctive notch or emargination on the labrum. The species is recorded from the United States, with distribution data indicating presence in North America. Like other carabids, it is a predatory beetle, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Dicaelus sculptilis
notched-mouthed ground beetle
Dicaelus sculptilis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is one of three recognized subspecies of D. sculptilis, with the nominate subspecies D. s. sculptilis described by Say in 1823. The species belongs to the genus Dicaelus, commonly known as notched-mouthed ground beetles. It has been documented in North America with observations recorded in Canada and the United States.
Dicaelus subtropicus
notched-mouth ground beetle
Dicaelus subtropicus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas L. Casey in 1913. The genus Dicaelus, commonly known as notched-mouth ground beetles, is characterized by distinctive mandibular morphology. This species is part of a diverse genus containing approximately 50 species distributed primarily in North America. Like other members of Carabidae, D. subtropicus is likely predatory, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Dicaelus suffusus
notched-mouthed ground beetle
Dicaelus suffusus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1913. The genus Dicaelus, commonly known as notched-mouthed ground beetles, is characterized by distinctive mandibular structures. This species belongs to the tribe Dicaelini within the subfamily Harpalinae. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle adapted to ground-dwelling habits. The species has been recorded in the United States, with distribution spanning parts of North America.
Dinaraea aequata
Dinaraea aequata is a small rove beetle (2.5–3.7 mm) in the subfamily Aleocharinae, native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is saproxylic, inhabiting subcortical galleries of decaying wood and fungal fruiting bodies. The species was among the first in its genus to have its larval morphology and life history described in detail, including all three instars, prepupa, and pupal cocoon.
Diplochaetus planatus
Diplochaetus planatus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by G.Horn in 1876. It belongs to the tribe Pogonini within the subfamily Trechinae. The species is native to North America, with records from the United States. Like other members of Carabidae, it is a predatory beetle. Very little specific information about its biology, ecology, or behavior has been documented in the available sources.