Narrow Searcher
Calosoma externum
This record describes Calosoma externum (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Very large, black with margins of elytra and pronotum brilliant blue. |
| Elytra | Elytra with evenly-spaced rows of punctured grooves (striae) and a few large punctures (foveae). |
| Pronotum | Pronotum rounded, not flared out on the apical (head) end. Resembles Carabus sylvosus , which is smaller, and has a differently-shaped pronotum--more flared on the apical end. |
Wikipedia reference for Calosoma externum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calosoma_externum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Carabinae
- Tribe
- Carabini
- Genus
- Calosoma (Caterpillar Hunter Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodlands and adjacent open country
Geographic Range
e. US (VT-GA to NE-TX); strays into southernmost ON ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
May & Jul-Aug in NC ; May & Sep-Oct in SC ; May-Oct in IN
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults predatory, climb trees in search of prey, esp. caterpillars.
Life History
Adults hibernate
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Calosoma externum ( Say 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calosoma externum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Narrow Searcher (7)
Photo credits: (c) Ben Gruver, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ben Gruver | no rights reserved, uploaded by Earl Agpawa | (c) Connor E. J. Graham, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Connor E. J. Graham | (c) Robert Webster, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Robert Webster | (c) Lizzy Cramer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Lizzy Cramer | (c) i_fox, all rights reserved, uploaded by i_fox | (c) Robert Gundy, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by Robert Gundy | Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Narrow Searcher
What is Narrow Searcher?
Narrow Searcher (Calosoma externum) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Narrow Searcher?
24-35 mm
How do you identify Narrow Searcher?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Very large, black with margins of elytra and pronotum brilliant blue. |
| Elytra | Elytra with evenly-spaced rows of punctured grooves (striae) and a few large punctures (foveae). |
| Pronotum | Pronotum rounded, not flared out on the apical (head) end. Resembles Carabus sylvosus , which is smaller, and has a differently-shaped pronotum--more flared on the apical end. |
Where is Narrow Searcher found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Woodlands and adjacent open country |
| Range | e. US (VT-GA to NE-TX); strays into southernmost ON ( 3 ) |
What does Narrow Searcher eat?
The diet of the Narrow Searcher includes Adults predatory, climb trees in search of prey, esp. caterpillars..
When is Narrow Searcher active?
Narrow Searcher: seasonal activity - May & Jul-Aug in NC ; May & Sep-Oct in SC ; May-Oct in IN.
What is the life cycle of a Narrow Searcher?
Adults hibernate