based on my microscopic examination of this male specimen which is now a photo-voucher in the P.W.Messer collection. Thanks Johnny for another species new to both BugGuide and my reference collection.

This male specimen was easily identified externally using the definitive key by Allen (1972). Some important characters are pronotum shiny (without distinct microsculpture), with sinuate lateral margins before sharp hind angles, metepisternum punctate, pronotum less than 3.4 mm wide, body length greater than 9.2 mm, and southeastern location.

Moved from Ground Beetles.

based on pterostichine habitus, iridescent elytra, and asymmetric male protarsi beautifully imaged here. Many southern species are tough to separate -- often requiring examination of the male genitalia. I look forward to studying this specimen Johnny if that is your plan.

Johnny, I'm impressed that you are making several great finds under bark this January. Hibernating I trust? That can't be easy field work.