Other Common Names
Searchers, along with genus Carabus. Both of these are in the tribe Carabini.
Explanation of Names
Author of genus is Weber, 1801. Name presumably from Greek kalos (καλος)- "pretty" + soma (σωμα)- "body"
Identification
Carabus and
Calosoma are very similar, large, active Ground Beetles. Both genera are in the tribe
Carabini. They can be differentiated based on technical characters. Quoting from
Key to Florida Ground Beetles, and with a few added comments:
Antennal segments 2 and 3 carinate (ridged). Mandibles with transverse rugosities, at least basally. Elytra with humeri well developed, wings well developed. Metepimeron longer than wide.---> Calosoma. Elytra often have colorful punctures.
Antennal segments 2 and 3 cylindrical, not carinate (ridged). Mandibles smooth or finely punctate. Wings reduced, humeri sloping. Metepimeron wider than long or as wide as long. ---> Carabus. Several species have a bright blue border on elytra and pronotum. (Calosoma externum, however, has such a blue border.)
Compare mandibles, antennae of Carabus vinctus/Calosoma sayi:
See Also
Carabus, part of the same tribe,
Carabini.
Print References
Dillon, p. 65, plate VII [cite:2732
Brimley, p. 116, lists the following species for North Carolina: externum (widespread), scrutator (widespread), wilcoxi (coastal plain?), frigidum (mountains), sayi (Piedmont and coastal plain?), calidum (mountains).
Internet References
Ground Beetles of Canada:
tribe Carabini--includes Calosoma
North Carolina State University Entomology lists, for that state, with number pinned: alternans (5), calidum (18), externum (15), frigidum (14), sayi (231), scrutator (221), wilcoxi (15).
Beetles of Florida lists sayi, scrutator, splendidum.
Contributed by
Cotinis on 16 February, 2004 - 12:32pm
Additional contributions by
Chuck EntzLast updated 25 March, 2006 - 4:19pm
