Delta green ground beetle

Description

The Delta green ground beetle (Elaphrus viridis) is a species of ground beetle restricted to a small region within Solano County,California.Its color is a metallic-green,usually with bronze spots on its elytra,though some lack these spots.The lack or reduction of circular pits on the elytra helps distinguish it from other ground beetles.Typical adults are about a quarter-inch (0.6 cm) in length.The Delta green ground beetle plays a useful role in its ecosystem by pollinating plants,fruits,and vegetables.The beetle's common name probably refers to the triangular marking on its pronotum.The species name,viridis,comes from the Latin word for green.