Epomis beetles belong to the family of ground beetles. Their feeding behavior is unique as these beetles prey on amphibians in an interesting role reversal of predator and prey.
Size: 0.59–1.02 in (1.5–2.6 cm)
Color: These beetles are shiny blue or green. There is a conspicuous yellow-orange rim on the covers of their wings and yellow antennae and legs.
Other Characteristic Features: These beetles are similar to the ground beetle genus Chlaenius. One can distinguish the epomis beetle from its shorter, triangular mouthparts.
The larvae of these beetles are yellow or white, covered with black and orange markings. They have mandibles with two hooks and two extensions protruding from their last segment. Fully mature larva reach up to 0.79 in (2 cm).
After maturing, the larvae would pupate underground.
Like other ground beetles, epomis beetles lay their eggs either on or within the soil.
| Lifespan | 1 year |
| Distribution | The Palaearctic, the Middle and Near East, and northern parts of Africa |
| Habitat | Rain pools and temporary ponds |
| Predators | Not recorded |
| Seasons active | Wet seasons |
| Hosts | Amphibians such as frogs, newts, and toads |
| Diet of adults | Amphibians, but also general prey such as earthworms, maggots, and other beetles |
These beetles cause no identifiable damage.
Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org, wired.com, scx2.b-cdn.net, i.pinimg.com, encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com, cronicasdeunamonite.wordpress.com
Epomis beetles belong to the family of ground beetles. Their feeding behavior is unique as these beetles prey on amphibians in an interesting role reversal of predator and prey.
Size: 0.59–1.02 in (1.5–2.6 cm)
Color: These beetles are shiny blue or green. There is a conspicuous yellow-orange rim on the covers of their wings and yellow antennae and legs.
Other Characteristic Features: These beetles are similar to the ground beetle genus Chlaenius. One can distinguish the epomis beetle from its shorter, triangular mouthparts.
The larvae of these beetles are yellow or white, covered with black and orange markings. They have mandibles with two hooks and two extensions protruding from their last segment. Fully mature larva reach up to 0.79 in (2 cm).
After maturing, the larvae would pupate underground.
Like other ground beetles, epomis beetles lay their eggs either on or within the soil.
| Lifespan | 1 year |
| Distribution | The Palaearctic, the Middle and Near East, and northern parts of Africa |
| Habitat | Rain pools and temporary ponds |
| Predators | Not recorded |
| Seasons active | Wet seasons |
| Hosts | Amphibians such as frogs, newts, and toads |
| Diet of adults | Amphibians, but also general prey such as earthworms, maggots, and other beetles |
These beetles cause no identifiable damage.
Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org, wired.com, scx2.b-cdn.net, i.pinimg.com, encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com, cronicasdeunamonite.wordpress.com
