Callistus lunatus
Local name: Beau carabique à lunule
Callistus lunatus is a distinctive ground beetle characterized by its metallic bronze-green coloration and prominent crescent-shaped markings (lunules) on its elytra. This predatory beetle plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by controlling populations of small invertebrates and serving as prey for birds and other insectivores.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callistus_lunatus
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Carabidae
Genus
Callistus
Callistus lunatus belongs to the family Carabidae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Callistus lunatus is a distinctive ground beetle characterized by its metallic bronze-green coloration and prominent crescent-shaped markings (lunules) on its elytra. This predatory beetle plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by controlling populations of small invertebrates and serving as prey for birds and other insectivores.
Callistus lunatus, a ground beetle species, faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized coastal and sandy habitat requirements. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and human disturbance. Climate change and coastal development pose additional pressures on the remaining suitable habitat patches.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This beetle inhabits well-drained sandy soils along forest edges, particularly in areas with sparse vegetation and exposed ground patches. It shows strong preference for south-facing slopes and clearings where it can burrow into loose substrate near decaying wood or leaf litter.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Callistus lunatus, a ground beetle species, faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized coastal and sandy habitat requirements. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and human disturbance. Climate change and coastal development pose additional pressures on the remaining suitable habitat patches.
Coastal development and urbanization
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Climate change and sea level rise
Recreational activities and trampling
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Callistus lunatus (Callistus lunatus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/beau-carabique-a-lunule