Grote tandklauw
Calathus ambiguus
Photo: Photo: (c) gernotkunz, all rights reserved, uploaded by gernotkunz
Overview
Grote tandklauw (Calathus ambiguus) is a medium-sized ground beetle belonging to the family Carabidae, characterized by its dark metallic coloration and distinctive mandible structure that gives it its Dutch name meaning 'large tooth claw'. This nocturnal predator plays a crucial ecological role as both hunter of smaller invertebrates and prey for birds, amphibians, and spiders in its ecosystem.
Calathus ambiguus, known as Grote tandklauw, is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized coastal dune and sandy grassland environments. The species faces severe population decline from urban development, agricultural intensification, and changes in land management practices that have eliminated or fragmented its remaining habitat patches.
Habitat
Calathus ambiguus inhabits moist, undisturbed areas along forest edges, particularly in leaf litter and under fallen logs in deciduous and mixed woodlands. The species also occurs in traditional extensively managed grasslands with scattered shrubs and in the transition zones between agricultural fields and natural vegetation.
Other threatened species in Carabidae
Threatened in Afghanistan
Frequently asked questions
Why is Grote tandklauw classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Grote tandklauw live?
What are the main threats to Grote tandklauw?
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