Other Common Names
Searchers--along with genus Calosoma, part of the same tribe, Carabini
Explanation of Names
Author of genus is Linnaeus, 1758. Carabus is from a Latin word for beetle. One reference also lists the word as meaning "lobster". (Based on Internet searches.).
Another search shows: from Gk. karabos, lit. "beetle, lobster."
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:
Range
Widespread in North America. Genus is holarctic, apparently.
Life Cycle
Some species reported to overwinter as adults. Some reported to perform a courtship ritual, unusual in beetles.
See Also
Calosoma, part of the same tribe,
Carabini.
Print References
Dillon p. 64, plate VII
(1)
Papp, p. 46, figs. 127-129
(2)
Ciegler p. 28, lists for South Carolina: cancellatus, goryi, serratus, sylvosus, vinctus.
(3)
Brimley, p. 115, lists for North Carolina: cancellatus (coastal plain), limbatus=goryi (widespread), serratus (mountains), sylvosus (widespread), vinctus (lower Piedmont and coastal plain).
(4)Internet References
Ground Beetles of Canada:
tribe Carabini--includes Carabus
Insects of Cedar Creek:
Carabus species
North Carolina State University Entomology lists for that state: goryi, serratus, sylvosus, vinctus.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park lists cancellatus, goryi, serratus, sylvosus, vinctus.
Beetles of Florida lists sylvosus and vinctus.
Contributed by
Cotinis on 24 March, 2004 - 6:47pm
Additional contributions by
Phillip HarpootlianLast updated 25 March, 2006 - 4:18pm
