Scaphinotus guyotii
This record describes Scaphinotus guyotii (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Largest and most variable species of Steniridia . Elytra markedly convex and relatively large compared to body. Color variable: violaceous-black, black, green-black, with or without aeneous reflections. Front tarsi of male very narrow and with much reduced pad of setae on first segment. Median lobe of aedeagus distinctive - markedly constricted at base . Range encompasses both sides of French Broad River, which normally serves as an effective barrier to other flightless mountain species .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Carabinae
- Tribe
- Cychrini
- Genus
- Scaphinotus (Snail Carabids)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Shaded mountain-side ravines, mountain-top spruce forests (3500-6000ft). Nocturnal. ( 4 )
Geographic Range
Appalachian Mountains, from the New River Gorge in Fayette Co, WV south to northeast GA ( 3 ) .
Seasonal Activity
May-September ( 4 ) .
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Snails ( 4 ) .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scaphinotus guyotii (LeConte, 1863)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scaphinotus guyotii. 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 Scaphinotus guyotii (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kyhl Austin; Additional contributions by Thrasher
Frequently Asked Questions About Scaphinotus guyotii
What is Scaphinotus guyotii?
Scaphinotus guyotii is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Scaphinotus guyotii?
25.0-31.2 mm .
How do you identify Scaphinotus guyotii?
Largest and most variable species of Steniridia . Elytra markedly convex and relatively large compared to body. Color variable: violaceous-black, black, green-black, with or without aeneous reflections. Front tarsi of male very narrow and with much reduced pad of setae on first segment. Median lobe of aedeagus distinctive - markedly constricted at base .
Where is Scaphinotus guyotii found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Shaded mountain-side ravines, mountain-top spruce forests (3500-6000ft). Nocturnal. ( 4 ) |
| Range | Appalachian Mountains, from the New River Gorge in Fayette Co, WV south to northeast GA ( 3 ) . |
What does Scaphinotus guyotii eat?
The diet of the Scaphinotus guyotii includes Snails ( 4 ) ..
When is Scaphinotus guyotii active?
Scaphinotus guyotii: seasonal activity - May-September ( 4 ) ..