Scarites subterraneus

Adult: 15-20mm.

Order Coleoptera/ Family Carabidae/ Tribe Scaratini - Pedunculate Ground Beetles

This is a common and widely distributed predaceous ground beetle that is often found in shallow, cup-like burrows under objects such as stones, boards and logs in yards, fields in wet areas of San Diego County. It inhabits the lowland parts of the Reserve where there are mostly willows, Salix lasiolepus, Arroyo willow, and S. goodingii, Black willow along the trail leading south into Sorrento Valley. Scarites is considered beneficial for destroying cutworms and other pests which destroy bedding plants and crops. The beetle, when disturbed, has an interesting defense of stiffening its legs and body to appear dead.