Scaphinotus
Guides
Scaphinotus aeneicollis
Coppery-collared Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus aeneicollis, commonly known as the coppery-collared snail-eating beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is a member of the Carabinae subfamily, which includes large predatory beetles often called 'snail hunters' or 'caterpillar hunters.' The species is restricted to the southern Appalachian region of North America, specifically in coniferous forest habitats in North Carolina. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal.
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 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 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 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.