DELTA GREEN GROUND BEETLE (Elaphrus viridis)

type size: [A] [A] [A]

Description: About one-third of the insects on earth are beetles. They occur in most terrestrial and freshwater habitats, and make up about 360,000 different species. Ground beetles are elongated and flattened beetles that live beneath stones and plant material on the ground. The delta green ground beetle is a bright green species that once occurred in the temporary pools throughout California's Central Valley but is now confined to a small region in Northern California.

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Major Threat: Agricultural development
Habitat: Vernal pool habitats
Location: Solano County in Northern California
Diet: Mainly springtails (tiny, wingless insects)