Promecognathus laevissimus explained
Promecognathus laevissimus, also known as the smooth millipede hunter,[1] is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in western North America, including Oregon, California, and Nevada.
P. laevissimus is closely related to Promecognathus crassus. Like P. crassus, P. laevissimus uses its large jaws to feed on millipedes, including those that produce hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde, like Xystocheir dissecta. It has a high tolerance to these toxins.[2]
Adult P. laevissimus are glossy black beetles NaNmm long with long jaws and a narrow thorax. They are nocturnal.
Further reading
- Book: Catalogue of Palaearctic Coleoptera, Volume 1: Archostemata - Myxophaga - Adephaga. 2017. Lobl . I.. Smetana . A.. Apollo Books. 978-90-04-33029-0.
Notes and References
- Book: Will . Kip . Field Guide to California Insects . Gross . Joyce . Rubinoff . Daniel . Powell . Jerry A. . . 2020 . 9780520288744 . Oakland, California . 196.
- Weary . Brandt P . Will . Kipling W . 2020-09-11 . Sime . Karen . The Millipede-Predation Behavior of Promecognathus and Exceptional Cyanide Tolerance in Promecognathus and Metrius (Coleoptera: Carabidae) . Annals of the Entomological Society of America . en . 113 . 6 . 473–480 . 10.1093/aesa/saaa023 . 0013-8746 . Academic Search Complete.
