Beller’s Ground Beetle – State Wildlife Action Plan

Photo is needed for this Strategy feature. — Submit photo to: Conservation.Strategy@ODFW.state.gov

A member of the Carabidae (ground beetle) family, this species is 6.0 – 7.5 mm (0.24 – 0.29 in.) in length with narrow body. This species is metallic in color, typically coppery-bronze, but may reflect green or blue; antennae densely pubescent; elytra striate, punctured, and pubescent

Overview

Species Common Name Beller's Ground Beetle
Species Scientific Name Agonum belleri

Ecoregions

East Cascades

The East Cascade ecoregion extends from the Cascade Mountains' summit east to the warmer, drier high desert and down the length of the state. This ecoregion varies dramatically from its cool, moist border with the West Cascades ecoregion to its dry eastern border, where it meets sagebrush desert landscapes.

West Cascades

The West Cascades ecoregion extends from east of the Cascade Mountains summit to the foothills of the Willamette, Umpqua, and Rogue Valleys, and spans the entire length of the state of Oregon. It is largely dominated by conifer forests, moving into alpine parklands and dwarf shrubs at higher elevations.

Special needs

Beller’s ground beetles inhabit peat-forming wetlands or Sphagnum bogs in forested areas. Typically found on live Sphagnum mats in open, unshaded areas between shrubs and trees, along shorelines, or on shrubs and trees forming the outer bog margins, while avoiding dry ground.

Limiting factors

This species is wingless and restricted to patchy habitat. Threatened by urban development, logging, human recreation, and alteration of water regimes. Species is vulnerable to climate change, which can alter water levels and duration.

Data gaps

Assess distribution, especially in the southern portion of this species’ range. Conduct demographic studies. Evaluate responses to habitat and hydrologic alteration. Research dispersal ability and adaptability.

Conservation actions

Manage known habitat to protect water quality and quantity. Protect bog habitats. Manage encroaching vegetation to retain open Sphagnum. Gather information to fill data gaps. Survey suitable habitat for new populations.

Key reference or plan

Hietala-Henschell, K. and C. Fallon. 2019. Interagency Special Status/Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP) Species Fact Sheet: Agonum belleri. USDA Forest Service Region 6 and USDI Bureau of Land Management Oregon State Office. 18 pp.