memorable sight. Some, like the

Caterpillar Hunters (Carabidae:

Calosoma) have been widely

introduced to control pest caterpillars.

A few Adephaga have abandoned this

voracious predation, and now feed on

plant seeds, also rich in protein, or in

a few cases even on algae

disjunct distribution. Another family that has

a disjunct distribution is Hygrobiidae, known as

screech beetles because of the loud squeaking

sound they make as a defense when taken out of

water, by pushing air through sound-producing

organs. The five species are found in Europe,

China, and Australia. Similarly, the trout stream

beetles Amphizoidae are found in North America

and China. Such distributions are probably

opposite |Clinidium

(Rhysodidae) A typical

rhysodid, this beetle from

Washington State is a

predator in dead wood.

right |Noterus (Noteridae)

Burrowing water beetles,

this one from Europe, are

common in leaf litter at the

bottom of ponds.

evidence of an ancient group that has become

extinct over most of its range but hangs on in

a few seemingly random places.

Rhysodidae are relatives of Carabidae, and

they are predators and fungus feeders in dead

wood, while Trachypachidae are a small and

obscure family that is found in forest litter in

Eurasia, North America, and Chile.