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Species Details
Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
SeasonalityAdults of this species have been collected from May to October.
IdentificationSimilar to the genus Elaphrus, but with elytra larger in relation to forebody. Elytra each with four rows of flat, ocellate, almost circular depressions, separated by more or less pronounced, elevated, more shiny fields. Upper surface dull, usually with pronounced greenish or coppery lustre, mouthparts and legs more or less green. Length 8.5 to 11.0 mm.
Scientific Name
Opisthius richardsoni
Habitat
Confined to the banks of rivers and big brooks, with clay soil, often mixed with sand and gravel.
Seasonality
Adults of this species have been collected from May to October.
Identification
Similar to the genus Elaphrus, but with elytra larger in relation to forebody. Elytra each with four rows of flat, ocellate, almost circular depressions, separated by more or less pronounced, elevated, more shiny…
Similar to the genus Elaphrus, but with elytra larger in relation to forebody. Elytra each with four rows of flat, ocellate, almost circular depressions, separated by more or less pronounced, elevated, more shiny fields. Upper surface dull, usually with pronounced greenish or coppery lustre, mouthparts and legs more or less green. Length 8.5 to 11.0 mm.
Life History
Larvae develop during the summer and adults overwinter.
Conservation
Common.
Diet Info
Both adults and larvae are predatory.
Range
This species is found in western United States and Canada. In Alberta this species is found throughout most of the province.
Citation
Page Citation for Opisthius richardsoni
Page Citation
"Species Details - Opisthius richardsoni, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search-test.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-2248/9-21167. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
References
Author
Bousquet, Yves and Andre Larochelle
Title
Catalogue of the Geadephaga (Coleoptera: Trachypachidae, Rhysodidae, Carabidae Including Cicindelini) of America North of Mexico
Publication Date
1993
Series Title
Memoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada
Pages
1-397
Author
Lindroth, Carl H.
Title
The Ground-beetles of Canada and Alaska. Part 2.
Publication Date
1961
Series Title
Opuscula Entomologica
Volume
20
Pages
1-200
Specimen Information
There are 407 specimens of this Species.
UASM26067 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Wildhay River
Date Collected1971-06-17
UASM26068 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26069 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26070 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26071 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26072 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26073 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26074 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26075 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26076 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26077 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26078 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26079 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26080 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26081 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Morse River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-15
UASM26082 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Swan River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-14
UASM26083 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Lawrence River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-11
UASM26084 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Lawrence River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-11
UASM26085 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Meikle River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-06
UASM26086 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Notikewin River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-13
UASM26087 - Opisthius richardsoni
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Notikewin River
Collected ByGooding, R. H.; Wilkie, M.
Date Collected1974-07-13