Mesophile sunshiner

Description

Mesophile sunshiner, also called moon-collared harp ground beetle, is a medium-sized seed-eating ground beetle. It occurs in northern Europe, where it is widespread and common, and in southern Canada and northern United States, where it is scattered and uncommon. It is found in forest edges and openings, cultivated fields, meadows, roadsides, and other open areas, especially near water. Adults feed on seeds.

Adults are ¼″ to ⅜″ (7.3 to 9.0 mm) long and elongated oval shaped. They are shiny black with a copper-colored iridescence.

The antennae are reddish-brown, are thread-like, and have 11 segments. They are inserted between the compound eyes and the mandibles. The mouth parts are directed forward.

The exoskeletal plate covering the thorax (pronotum) is broad. The sides are slightly curved. The lateral margins have a narrow, flattened, sharp edge. The rear margin is straight, not wavy. There is a depression near the base at the middle. The exoskeletal plate between the wing bases (scutellum) is visible.

The hardened wing covers (elytra) are long, completely covering the abdomen. Each elytron has 7 longitudinal grooves and no pits (punctures).

The legs are reddish-brown. The fourth segment (tibia) of the front leg has a spur at the tip. The spur is not forked. The last part of each leg (tarsus), corresponding to the foot, has five segments.

Size

Total length: ¼″ to ⅜″ (7.3 to 9.0 mm)

Similar Species

Habitat

Forest edges and openings, cultivated fields, meadows, roadsides, and other open areas

Ecology

Season

Behavior

Life Cycle

Larva Food/Hosts

Adult Food

Seeds