Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Ocypus ater
Explanation of Names
Tasgius ater (Gravenhorst 1802)
Identification
Pronotum shiny, with smooth midline like in the other species, with punctures of two sizes (diagnostic), larger punctures at least their diameter apart;
Mandibles with triangular tooth on inner margin (subgenus Tasgius s.str.);
Very helpful, and not in the books: Abdomen with several apparent tactile setae both laterally and dorsally; setae about as long as antennomere 3.
Range
native to w. Palaearctic, introduced elsewhere (NA, New Zealand); in our area, across Canada and in scattered US locations
(1)Habitat
under debris near water (including marine situations) but also common near habitations (in gardens, cellars, shacks)
(1)Remarks
first recorded in NA in 1802
(1)