Delta Green Ground Beetle

The Delta Green Ground Beetle (Elaphrus viridis) is a Federally listed threatened species. It is entirely endemic to Jepson Prairie and some nearby properties. These small beetles forage on the edges of Olcott Lake and nearby playa pools from January to May.

Very little is known about their life cycle. They hunt for soft-bodied prey, such as Springtails, when the weather is warm and calm. Mating occurs in February and March. They are thought to aestivate during the summer and fall, but it isn’t known in what developmental phase (egg, larva, pupa or adult).

Delta Green Ground Beetle
Delta Green Ground Beetle. Photo by Adam Clause