Caterpillar Searcher
Calosoma sycophanta
This record describes Calosoma sycophanta (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Introduced in 1905 to control spongy moth ( Lymantria dispar ) and Euproctis chrysorrhoea
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
Geographic Range
native to w. Palaearctic (east to Siberia) ; introduced intentionally and established in e.US (so.ME-MD-WV-w.PA)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Spongy moth larvae and pupae are especially attractive but they will feed on other species of insects. ( 3 )
Life History
Adults spend winter in the soil. Emerge in June and hunt for spongy moth caterpillars ( Lymantria dispar ). Its life history is closely synchronized with that of spongy moths and this is why it is thought that it is not likely to cause damage to other caterpillars. Larvae pupate in the ground. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Calosoma sycophanta (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calosoma sycophanta. 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 Caterpillar Searcher (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , urtica , Phillip Harpootlian , v belov , Harsi S. Parker , Marci Hess , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Caterpillar Searcher
What is Caterpillar Searcher?
Caterpillar Searcher (Calosoma sycophanta) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Caterpillar Searcher found?
Range: native to w. Palaearctic (east to Siberia) ; introduced intentionally and established in e.US (so.ME-MD-WV-w.PA)
What does Caterpillar Searcher eat?
The diet of the Caterpillar Searcher includes Spongy moth larvae and pupae are especially attractive but they will feed on other species of insects. ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Caterpillar Searcher?
Adults spend winter in the soil. Emerge in June and hunt for spongy moth caterpillars ( Lymantria dispar ). Its life history is closely synchronized with that of spongy moths and this is why it is thought that it is not likely to cause damage to other caterpillars. Larvae pupate in the ground. ( 3 )