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Pterostichus melanarius
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Identification:
Broad prothorax with denticulate hind angles; crossed elytral epipleura; body length greater than 12 mm; basal fovea of the prothorax bistriate with a more or less pronounced tubercle in center and a strong lateral carina. Last tarsal segment setose underneath; wings often full; body deep black with dark brown-black appendages.
Range:
Introduced from Europe and is rapidly spreading, both on the Atlantic and Pacific Coast.
Natural History:
First recorded in 1926 from the eastern coast of Canada. Occurs in light forest, open meadows, cultivated land, and waste places. The long winged form is rare in Europe but is predominating in most places in North America. Hibernation occurs mainly in the larval stage. On TESC campus, found exclusively in a large area of marshy meadow and scotch broom.
References:
Lindroth, C. H. 1961-1969. The ground beetles (Carabidae excl. Cicindelinae) of Canada and Alaska. Parts 1-6. Opuscula Entomologica xlviii + 1192 pp.
Last updated Thursday, July 20, 2006, by Lisa Ferrier
