Predatory-beetle
Guides
Opilo mollis
Opilo mollis is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, subfamily Clerinae. The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758 as Attelabus mollis. It has a broad distribution across Europe, North America, and Southern Asia, with records from the Azores (São Miguel) documented in GBIF. As a member of the genus Opilo, it likely shares the predatory habits characteristic of clerid beetles, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Panagaeus sallei
hairy ground beetle
Panagaeus sallei is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly referred to as a 'hairy ground beetle.' It is native to North America. The species was described by Chaudoir in 1862. Like other members of the genus Panagaeus, it is a predatory beetle inhabiting ground-level environments.
Parvindela debilis
Grass-runner Tiger Beetle
Parvindela debilis, commonly known as the Grass-runner Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species was originally described by Bates in 1890 and has undergone taxonomic reclassification from the genus Cylindera to the currently accepted Parvindela. As a member of the tiger beetle subfamily Cicindelinae, it exhibits the characteristic predatory habits and fast-running behavior typical of this group. The species appears to be relatively rarely encountered, with limited observational records available.
Parvindela terricola
Variable Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola, commonly known as the Variable Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae. The species exhibits notable color variation, with individuals ranging from bright metallic green to forms with red or purple tinting. It has been recorded in western Nebraska at the edge of its distribution, where it inhabits alkaline habitats in badlands and grassland environments. The species was formerly classified under the genus Cicindela and later Cylindera before its current placement in Parvindela. Subspecies include C. terricola kaibabensis from the Grand Canyon region.
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.
Philonthus boreas
Philonthus boreas is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Smetana in 1995. It belongs to a large genus of predatory beetles commonly found in diverse habitats including carrion, fungi, and decaying organic matter. The species has a transcontinental distribution across northern North America.
Philonthus cautus
Philonthus cautus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Erichson in 1840. As a member of the large genus Philonthus, it shares the characteristic shortened elytra and predatory habits typical of staphylinid beetles. The species is known from the southeastern United States, with records from Alabama through Texas and north to Maryland and Virginia. Like other Philonthus species, it likely inhabits decaying organic matter where it preys on other small invertebrates.
Philonthus concinnus
Philonthus concinnus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Gravenhorst in 1802. The genus Philonthus is a large and diverse group of predatory rove beetles, though specific ecological details for P. concinnus remain poorly documented in available sources. The species has a broad distribution spanning Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of East Asia, and has been introduced to North America where it is now established in Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be predatory, but direct observations of its biology are sparse.
Philonthus debilis
Philonthus debilis is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. As a member of the genus Philonthus, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory beetles commonly associated with carrion, dung, and other decomposing organic matter. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning the Palearctic region and has been introduced to North America. Like other Philonthus species, it likely plays a role in carrion succession as a predator on fly larvae and other small insects.
Philonthus flumineus
Philonthus flumineus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Casey in 1915. The species epithet 'flumineus' (Latin for 'of rivers') suggests an association with riparian or streamside habitats. As a member of the large genus Philonthus, it shares the characteristic shortened elytra and predatory habits typical of this group. Available distribution records indicate a broad North American range across eastern Canada and much of the United States.
Philonthus gentilis
Philonthus gentilis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horn in 1884. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Philonthus, which contains numerous predatory species associated with various habitats including decaying organic matter, fungi, and carrion. The species has been documented from the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records from Arizona and Texas. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be predatory, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Philonthus gracilior
Philonthus gracilior is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Casey in 1915. It is a member of the large genus Philonthus, which contains numerous predatory species associated with decaying organic matter. The species is recorded from both Canada and the United States, with a transcontinental distribution across northern and central regions of North America.
Philonthus neonatus
Philonthus neonatus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Smetana in 1965. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Philonthus, which contains numerous predatory species commonly associated with decaying organic matter, fungi, and other insects. The species is documented from eastern North America, with records spanning Canada and the eastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely predatory, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Philonthus nudus
Philonthus nudus is a rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Sharp in 1874. It belongs to the large genus Philonthus, which contains numerous predatory species associated with various habitats including carrion, fungi, and decaying organic matter. The species has a documented distribution across the Holarctic region, including parts of East Asia and western North America.
Philonthus quadricollis
Philonthus quadricollis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horn in 1884. It belongs to a large genus of predatory beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and carrion. The species has a broad transcontinental distribution across North America, with records from Canada and much of the United States.
Philonthus rectangulus
Philonthus rectangulus is a rove beetle species described by Sharp in 1874. It belongs to the large genus Philonthus within the family Staphylinidae. The species has been documented in southern South America, the Republic of Moldova, and parts of Europe including the Azores islands and the Balkans. As a member of the rove beetle family, it likely exhibits the characteristic shortened elytra and predatory habits typical of the group, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Philonthus rufulus
Philonthus rufulus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horn in 1884. It belongs to the large genus Philonthus, which contains numerous species of predatory beetles commonly found in diverse habitats. The species has a broad distribution across North America, extending from Canada through the United States to Mexico and parts of the Caribbean. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits predatory behavior, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Philonthus schwarzi
Philonthus schwarzi is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Horn in 1884. The species is part of the large genus Philonthus, which contains numerous predatory rove beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and carrion habitats. It occurs across northern and eastern North America, with records from both the United States and Canada.
Philonthus sessor
Philonthus sessor is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Smetana in 1965. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Philonthus, which contains numerous predatory species associated with decaying organic matter, fungi, and carrion. The species is known from northeastern North America, with records from Canada and the northeastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely functions as a generalist predator in decomposing habitats.
Philonthus triangulum
Philonthus triangulum is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horn in 1884. It belongs to a large genus of predatory beetles commonly found in decomposing organic matter and other habitats where small invertebrate prey is abundant. Like other members of Philonthus, it exhibits the characteristic shortened elytra and exposed abdominal segments typical of rove beetles. The species is recorded from western North America including the Pacific Northwest and southwestern United States, extending into Mexico.
Philonthus vulgatus
Philonthus vulgatus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Casey in 1915. It belongs to the large genus Philonthus, which contains numerous predatory species associated with various habitats including decaying organic matter, fungi, and carrion. The species has a broad distribution across northern North America and parts of Russia. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be predatory, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
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.
Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis
Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. The species name refers to its blue-winged appearance. Like other members of the genus Phyllobaenus, it is likely associated with fungal habitats and woodland environments where it preys on small arthropods. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States.
Phyllobaenus humeralis
Red-shouldered Clerid
Phyllobaenus humeralis is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is distributed across North America, with records from the United States and Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The common name 'Red-shouldered Clerid' refers to distinctive coloration on the humeral region. As with other members of Cleridae, it is likely a predator, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Phyllobaenus tricolor
checkered beetle
Phyllobaenus tricolor is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, first described by Schaeffer in 1904. It is native to North America. As a member of the Cleridae family, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly known as checkered beetles, which are typically predatory or feed on other insects.
Placopterus thoracicus
Black and Red Checkered Beetle
Placopterus thoracicus is a checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, commonly known as the Black and Red Checkered Beetle. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records extending as far north as Manitoba, Canada. As a member of Cleridae, it belongs to a family of beetles often associated with predatory habits on other insects.
Platydracus undescribed-fla
An undescribed species of large rove beetle in the genus Platydracus, recognized from Florida but not yet formally described in the scientific literature. Members of this genus are among the largest rove beetles in North America, typically characterized by their elongated bodies, shortened forewings (elytra) that leave most of the abdomen exposed, and predatory habits.
Platydracus zonatus
Platydracus zonatus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to North America. It is among the larger species in the genus Platydracus, which contains many of the most conspicuous and predatory rove beetles. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range in eastern and central North America, with records extending from Canada through the eastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
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 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.
Platysoma leconti
clown beetle
Platysoma leconti is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is native to North America. The species belongs to the genus Platysoma, which comprises predatory beetles commonly found under bark and in other decaying wood habitats.
Podabrus appendiculatus
Podabrus appendiculatus is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, described by Fall in 1928. It belongs to a genus commonly found in California and across North America. Like other soldier beetles, it is likely predatory on soft-bodied insects, though species-specific documentation is limited.
Podabrus intrusus
soldier beetle
Podabrus intrusus is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by Green in 1947. The species is found in North America, with records from eastern Canada including New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. Like other members of the genus Podabrus, it is likely a predator of soft-bodied insects, though specific details for this species are limited.
Pterostichus angustus
woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus angustus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. It is classified as a woodland ground beetle, indicating association with forested habitats. The species was originally described by Dejean in 1828 under the basionym Feronia angusta. Like other members of the genus Pterostichus, it is likely a nocturnal, predatory beetle, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pterostichus caudicalis
Pterostichus caudicalis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is classified as a woodland ground beetle and occurs in North America, with distribution records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Pterostichus, it is a predatory beetle that inhabits forest floor environments. The species is part of the diverse Pterostichinae subfamily, which contains numerous ground-dwelling carabid beetles.
Pterostichus diana
Pterostichus diana is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by LaBonte in 2013. It belongs to the genus Pterostichus, a large and diverse group of predatory beetles commonly found in North American terrestrial habitats. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Pterostichus palmi
Pterostichus palmi is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1910. It belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which contains numerous species of predatory beetles. The species is recorded from the United States, with distribution data indicating presence in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a nocturnal, ground-dwelling predator, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Pterostichus putus
Pterostichus putus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1913. It belongs to the large genus Pterostichus, which comprises numerous species of predatory beetles distributed primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. The species is known from the United States and is part of the diverse North American carabid fauna. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a ground-dwelling predator, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Quedius caseyi divergens
Quedius caseyi divergens is a subspecies of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. As a member of the genus Quedius, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory beetles commonly found in various terrestrial habitats. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological differentiation from the nominate form Quedius caseyi caseyi. Specific information about this particular subspecies is limited in available sources.
Quedius marginalis
Quedius marginalis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Mäklin in 1852. It is currently classified as an ambiguous synonym in the Catalogue of Life, placed within the subgenus Quedius (Distichalius). The species belongs to the diverse genus Quedius, one of the largest genera in Staphylinidae, whose members are predominantly predatory and commonly found in soil, leaf litter, and decaying organic matter.
Quedius peregrinus
Quedius peregrinus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, originally described by Gravenhorst in 1806 under the basionym Microsaurus peregrinus. It belongs to the tribe Quediini within the subfamily Staphylininae. The species is native to North America and has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning eastern Canada and much of the eastern and central United States.
Saprinus distinguendus
clown beetle
Saprinus distinguendus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Marseul in 1855. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. Like other members of the genus Saprinus, it is a predatory beetle typically associated with decomposing organic matter.
Saprinus ignotus
Saprinus ignotus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, subfamily Saprininae. The species was described by Marseul in 1855. GBIF records indicate occurrence in Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. The genus Saprinus comprises predatory beetles typically associated with carrion, dung, and other decomposing organic matter.
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 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.
Scarites quadriceps
Big-headed ground beetle
Scarites quadriceps is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. Like other members of the genus Scarites, it is a predatory beetle found in terrestrial habitats. It has been observed beneath debris on field edges and beaches.
Scymnus compar
dusky lady beetle
Scymnus compar is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) described by Thomas L. Casey in 1899. It belongs to the subfamily Scymninae, a group commonly known as dusky lady beetles due to their typically subdued coloration compared to the brightly spotted species familiar to most observers. The species is documented from North America, with specific records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a predator of small soft-bodied insects, though direct observations of its biology remain limited.
Scymnus consobrinus
consobrinous lady beetle
Scymnus consobrinus is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the consobrinous lady beetle. It belongs to the subfamily Scymninae, a group often referred to as dusky lady beetles due to their typically subdued coloration compared to the bright patterns of larger coccinellids. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852 and is known to occur in North America. Like other members of Scymnus, it is likely a predator of small soft-bodied insects, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.