Merkel's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus merkelii
This record describes Scaphinotus merkelii (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Scaphinotus merkelii, Merkel's snail-eating beetle, is a species of beetle of the Carabidae family. This species is found in North America (British Columbia, Idaho, Montana), where it inhabits mixed forests.
Identification notes
Holotype
Wikipedia reference for Scaphinotus merkelii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaphinotus_merkelii.
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
Geographic Range
BC‒WA‒MT
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scaphinotus merkelii (Horn 1890)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scaphinotus merkelii. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merkel's Snail-eating Beetle
What is Merkel's Snail-eating Beetle?
Merkel's Snail-eating Beetle (Scaphinotus merkelii) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Merkel's Snail-eating Beetle?
10‒12 mm
How do you identify Merkel's Snail-eating Beetle?
Holotype
Where is Merkel's Snail-eating Beetle found?
Range: BC‒WA‒MT