Definition
Clivina lata is a species of ground beetle belonging to the family Carabidae, subfamily Scaritinae. It was first described by the entomologist Jules Putzeys in 1866.
Overview
-
Taxonomic hierarchy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Family: Carabidae
- Subfamily: Scaritinae
- Genus: Clivina
- Species: C. lata
-
Discovery and description: The original description appeared in Putzeys’ 1866 work on the Carabidae of the world. The species has been listed in subsequent catalogues of the Carabidae, including the "Catalogue of Life" and the "Carabidae of the World" database.
-
Distribution: Precise geographic distribution is not thoroughly documented in widely available literature. Records indicate that Clivina species are generally cosmopolitan, with many occurring in temperate and tropical regions. Accurate information on the specific range of C. lata is not confirmed.
-
Habitat: As a member of the genus Clivina, the species is presumed to inhabit soil-rich environments such as riverbanks, moist forest floors, and agricultural fields where it can burrow and hunt for small invertebrates. Specific habitat preferences for C. lata have not been detailed in the literature.
Etymology / Origin
The generic name Clivina derives from Latin clivus meaning “slope” or “incline,” reflecting the beetles’ tendency to live in inclined, often subterranean habitats. The specific epithet lata is the feminine form of the Latin adjective latus, meaning “broad” or “wide.” This likely references a comparatively broad morphological feature of the beetle, such as the pronotum or elytra, though the original author’s rationale is not explicitly recorded.
Characteristics
- Morphology: Like other Clivina species, C. lata possesses an elongated, somewhat flattened body adapted for a fossorial (digging) lifestyle. The beetle typically exhibits well‑developed, spade‑like forelegs for soil penetration.
- Size: Members of the genus range from 4 to 10 mm in length; specific measurements for C. lata are not definitively reported.
- Coloration: Ground beetles of this genus are generally dark brown to black, sometimes with a metallic sheen. No unique coloration has been documented for C. lata.
- Behavior: Ground beetles are primarily nocturnal predators of other small invertebrates. Clivina species are known for their rapid burrowing and are often found under stones or leaf litter.
Related Topics
- Carabidae – the family of ground beetles, one of the largest beetle families worldwide.
- Scaritinae – the subfamily that includes many burrowing beetles with specialized forelegs.
- Jules Putzeys (1809–1882) – Belgian entomologist who described numerous Carabidae taxa.
- Taxonomic databases – resources such as the Catalogue of Life, GBIF, and Carabidae of the World, which list Clivina lata among its entries.
Note: Information on the exact distribution, detailed morphology, and ecological specifics of Clivina lata is limited in publicly accessible sources; further research in specialized entomological collections or regional faunal surveys may provide additional data.