Genus Bembidion

Image Credits:

The images of whole beetles are reproduced from the Iconographia Coleopterorum
Poloniae, with permission kindly granted by Lech Borowiec. The line drawings are
from Lindroth (1974).

Adapted from Lindroth, C.H. (1974) Coleoptera, Carabidae. Handbooks for the
identification of British insects, volume 4, part 2. London: Royal Entomological
Society.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
Checklist
From the Checklist of Beetles of the British Isles, 2012 edition, edited by A. G. Duff
(available from www.coleopterist.org.uk/checklist.htm).

BEMBIDION Latreille, 1802

aeneum Germar, 1824 lunulatum (Geoffroy in Fourcroy, 1785)
articulatum (Panzer, 1795) mannerheimii Sahlberg, C.R., 1827
assimile Gyllenhal, 1810 maritimum (Stephens, 1835)
atrocaeruleum (Stephens, 1828) minimum (Fabricius, 1792)
biguttatum (Fabricius, 1779) monticola Sturm, 1825
bipunctatum (Linnaeus, 1761) nigricorne Gyllenhal, 1827
bruxellense Wesmael, 1835 nigropiceum (Marsham, 1802)
bualei Jacquelin du Val, 1852 normannum Dejean, 1831
caeruleum Audinet-Serville, 1826 obliquum Sturm, 1825
clarkii (Dawson, 1849) obtusum Audinet-Serville, 1821
decorum (Zenker in Panzer, 1800) octomaculatum (Goeze, 1777)
deletum Audinet-Serville, 1821 pallidipenne (Illiger, 1802)
dentellum (Thunberg, 1787) prasinum (Duftschmid, 1812)
doris (Panzer, 1796 properans (Stephens, 1828)
ephippium (Marsham, 1802) punctulatum Drapiez, 1821
femoratum Sturm, 1825 quadrimaculatum (Linnaeus, 1761)
fluviatile Dejean, 1831 quadripustulatum Audinet-Serville, 1821
fumigatum (Duftschmid, 1812) saxatile Gyllenhal, 1827
geniculatum Heer, 1837/8c schuppelii Dejean, 1831
gilvipes Sturm, 1825 semipunctatum (Donovan, 1806)
guttula (Fabricius, 1792) stephensii Crotch, 1866
humerale Sturm, 1825 stomoides Dejean, 1831
illigeri Netolitzky, 1914 testaceum (Duftschmid, 1812)
inustum Jacquelin du Val, 1857 tetracolum Say, 1825
iricolor Bedel, 1879 tibiale (Duftschmid, 1812)
lampros (Herbst, 1784) varium (Olivier, 1795) 32
lunatum (Duftschmid, 1812) virens Gyllenhal, 1827

The key does not include Bembidion inustum. Refer to LEVEY, B. & PAVETT, P.M. 1999a. Bembidion
(Pseudolimnaeum) inustum Duval, (Coleoptera: Carabidae) an interesting new addition to the British fauna.
British Journal of Entomology and Natural History 11: 169-171. Recorded from south Wales. Length 5.4-6.2
mm. Bembidion humerale and B. caeruleum are only mentioned only in passing.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
 Key to the UK species of genus Bembidion
Adapted from Lindroth (1974) by Mike Hackston

1 Pronotum with the sides curving back before hind-angles (at

least by as much as illustrated). ..........................................2

Sides of pronotum evenly rounded to hind-angles.

...........................................................................48

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
21 Frons and vertex with coarse punctures which often merge into one another;
frontal furrows therefore indistinct. ......................................................................3

Frons and vertex smooth or with a group of small punctures inside and behind
the eyes. .............................................................................................................5

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
32 Elytra yellow-brown with an irregular transverse darker patch
(which fades considerably in older specimens). ....................
.......... Bembidion pallidipenne
On sterile sand near sea-water. England northwards to Northumberland. Wales.
Scotland. Ireland. Local.

Elytra uniformly dark. ..........................................................................................4

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
43 Elytral striae ceasing before the apex or becoming indistinct.
Legs and antennae dark. Elytra metallic, usually brassy or
greenish (occasionally bluish)................................................
.......... Bembidion bipunctatum
Near water on shores and banks with sparse vegetation, inland as well as by the
sea. England: becoming more common in the north. Wales. Scotland. Ireland.

Elytral striae distinct to the apex. At least the tibiae and

underside of first antennal segment pale. Elytra with a strong
shine, usually bronze. ............................................................
.......... Bembidion punctulatum
On sandy or gravelly banks of running waters, sometimes at the edge of still
water. Widely distributed but rarer in the south.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
52 Head not constricted behind the eyes. Pronotum
only slightly narrower than elytra. On the seashore.
............................................................................... 6

Head constricted immediately behind the eyes. Pronotum much narrower than
elytra. ..................................................................................................................7

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
65 Third elytral interval with 4 dorsal punctures. Head and pronotum metallic.
Length 3.0-4.0 mm. ..............................................................................................
.......... Cillenus lateralis
In the tidal zone. Widely distributed and often abundant.

Third elytral interval with 2 dorsal punctures. Entire body

non-metallic. Length 3.5-4.0 mm. ..................................
.......... Bembidion nigropiceum
On the coast. Often with Trechus fulvus. England: from Cornwall to Suffolk.
Locally abundant.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
75 Shoulder angulate: lateral bead of elytra forming a sharp angle
against the abbreviated basal bead. Upper surface entirely
dark, sometimes metallic. ........................................................8

Shoulders rounded. ...........................................................10

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
87 Viewing the head from the front, the frontal furrows are doubled
towards the back (over the eye). Pronotum with the curve at
the hind angles slight. ...............................................................
.......... Bembidion nigricorne
On open, dry, usually sandy soils with Calluna (heather). England, from Surrey to
Northumberland. Rare and local.

Frontal furrows single. Pronotum with the curve near the hind
angles much more distinct. .....................................................9

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
98 Seventh elytral stria distinct, at least towards the front. Frontal
furrows straight. ........................................................................
.......... Bembidion properans
Usually on clay soils. England northwards to Cumbria. South Wales. Somewhat
local.

Seventh elytral stria usually (but not always) absent. Frontal

furrows somewhat curved externally. Length 3.0-4.4 mm. ......
.......... Bembidion lampros
On dry, open soils of different kinds. Common and widely distributed.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
107 The two dorsal punctures (at least the anterior) on third elytral interval not
touching the adjacent striae. .............................................................................11

Dorsal punctures joined to the third stria or situated within it. ..........................17

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
1110 Elytra with the striae petering out towards the tip, entirely dark or sometimes
pale in posterior half. Small species, not above 3·2 mm. ................................12

Elytra with the striae complete to apex, usually somewhat pale also in anterior
half. ...................................................................................................................13

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
1211 Pronotum distinctly heart shaped, clearly wider than the head,
with the sides strongly curved near the hind angles. Length
2.3-3.2 mm. ..............................................................................
.......... Bembidion minimum
On moist, clay soils near the sea, e.g. under sea-weed. Often abundant.

Pronotum less widened forwards, narrower than the head with

the sides less curved at the base. Elytral striae with stronger
punctures. Length 2.5-3.2 mm. .................................................
.......... Bembidion normannum
Exclusively a seashore species. Locally abundant.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
1311 Entire upper surface without microscopic sculpture, thus very shiny.
Background colour of elytra pale. Length 2.5-3.0 mm. ........................................
.......... Bembidion ephippium
On the seashore, in salt marshes. South and east England from Cornwall to Norfolk. Locally abundant.

Upper surface microscopically sculptured, at least the head and pronotum dull.
Background colour of elytra dark. .....................................................................14

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
1413 Elytra iridescent due to the microscopic sculpture which consists
of extremely fine and dense transverse lines. On the head the
anterior supra-orbital puncture is surrounded by an elevated,
shiny area. Length 5.1-6.0 mm. .................................................
.......... Bembidion dentellum
In marshes and on soft mud near water, in more or less shady places, where the
vegetation is dense. Local but widely distributed.

Elytra with a microscopic net-like sculpture, not iridescent. Frons without shiny
area. .................................................................................................................15

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
1514 Antennae with 3 or 4 basal segments pale (though
sometimes with metallic hue on top). Meshes of elytral
microscopic sculpture somewhat irregular. ...................
.......... Bembidion semipunctatum
On river banks of fine sand. Scattered records through the Midlands. Very
local.

At most first antennal segment entirely pale, second to fourth at least dark
dorsally. Microscopical meshes of elytral sculpture regular, arranged as
bricks. ...............................................................................................................16

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
1615 Larger species (4·1-5·1 mm.). Pronotum broader with more
rounded sides. Elytra almost parallel-sided at middle. Apex
of elytra pale, legs brownish. ................................................
.......... Bembidion varium
On moist clay with patchy vegetation, mainly in salt marshes but also near fresh-
water. Often abundant; widely distributed.

Smaller species (3·0-4·4 mm.). Elytra with sides more

rounded, somewhat widening towards the rear. Apex of
elytra normally dark. Legs almost black. .........................
.......... Bembidion obliquum
At the margins of often acid fresh-water. England, northwards to Yorkshire.
Very local.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
1710 Hind-angles of pronotum very sharp, somewhat in front of
the base from which it is separated by an incision. Elytra
with a paler patch at shoulder and usually one near the
apex). .............................................................................18

Hind-angles of pronotum not or very little removed from base. ........................19

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
1817 Antennae and femora black. Length 3.5-4.0 mm. ...............................................
.......... Bembidion quadripustulatum
On damp, bare clay or sandy mud. England: Sussex to Derbyshire, westwards to Gloucestershire. Rare.

Four basal antennal segments and legs pale (femora at

most slightly darkened). Length 2.8-3.5 mm. .................
.......... Bembidion quadrimaculatum
On open, rather dry soil with no or thin vegetation. Often associated with
Bembidion lampros. England, northwards to Yorkshire. S. Wales. Common in
the south.
Bembidion humerale is close to these two species.

One pale marking on each elytron, close to the base. Metallic shine of head
and pronotum faint. Femora and tarsi darker than the tibiae.
.......... Bembidion laterale
Thorne Moors, South Yorkshire

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
1917 Frontal furrows sharp, prolonged upon clypeus
(extending to the base of the labrum), doubled (entirely
or just at the front. Not over 4 mm. ...........................20

Frontal furrows sharp, prolonged upon clypeus (to base of

labrum), straight, strongly converging. ............................22

Frontal furrows usually shallow, never prolonged upon clypeus, and more or
less parallel. Usually larger. ..............................................................................26

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
2019 Pronotum each side between basal depression and
median line with a single small depression. Elytra dark
(usually black) with pale spot before the tip. Length 3.1-
3.6 mm. ...........................................................................
.......... Bembidion doris
Very moisture-dependent, in swamps and marshes. England, widespread
but local. S. Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Locally abundant.

Pronotum each side with two small impressions between the basal
depression and the median line. Elytra with pale spots also in
anterior half ............................................................................. 21

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
2120 2·9-3·9 mm. Pronotum at base narrower than
head behind eyes. Pale basal spots of elytra
running into one another. .............................
.......... Bembidion articulatum
On sterile, moist clay or sandy mud near fresh water, often
hidden in cracks. England northwards to Derbyshire, South Wales. Often
abundant.

2·5-2·8 mm. Pronotum at base wider than head behind

eyes. All pale spots of elytra distinct. .............................
.......... Bembidion octomaculatum
At the margin of fresh water, often small pools, and, as a migrant, on the
seashore. SE England from Hampshire to Kent. Very local and rare.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
2219 Frontal furrows doubled in their entire length. .....................23

Frontal furrows doubled at the front only. ..............................25

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
2322 Pronotum with microscopic sculpture absent on top and therefore shiny. Apex
of elytra dark. Length 3.2-3.7 mm. .......................................................................
.......... Bembidion clarkii
Always inland, at the border of ponds in wooded areas. Widespread and local.

Pronotum with a dense microscopic sculpture over entire surface and therefore
dull. Apex of elytra pale. ...................................................................................24

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
2423 Length 3·5-4·0 mm. Elytra generally with distinct pale spots.
Striae shallower. Wings full-sized. .......................................
.......... Bembidion fumigatum
In marshes on clay, usually near the sea, amongst wet debris. England,
northwards to Yorkshire. South Wales.

Length 2·8-3·5 mm. Elytra with basal half all dark or with at
most indistinct spots. Wings often reduced. ........................
.......... Bembidion assimile
At the margin of standing water and on the seashore, where the vegetation is
rich, e.g. in reed beds. England, northwards to Yorkshire. S. Wales. Often
abundant.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
2522 Upper surface not metallic. Legs entirely pale. Elytra
without microscopic sculpture, punctures along the striae
very coarse. Length 2.5-3.0 mm. .....................................
.......... Bembidion gilvipes
Among moss and leaves under deciduous trees or bushes, e.g. willows, in
somewhat moist habitats. England, northwards to Cumbria. Locally
abundant, but becoming rarer.

Upper surface bluish green. Femora more or less darkened. Elytra. with
microscopic sculpture; punctures along the striae finer. Length 2.8-3.2 mm. .....
.......... Bembidion schuppelii
On sand mixed with detritus where the vegetation is sparse; almost confined to river banks. Northern
England and Scotland. Local but not rare.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
2619 Striae of the elytra (except first) disappearing behind middle; very shiny due to
lack of microscopic sculpture; each elytron with two pale spots. ......................27

Elytra with at least the inner striae evident in the apical half; microscopic
sculpture present. .............................................................................................28

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
2726 Pronotum longer than wide. Paler patches
towards the base of the elytra not reaching side
margin. Length 4.0-4.9 mm. ..............................
.......... Bembidion illigeri
On open, moist clay with sparse or no vegetation, Usually near
water; often associated with Bembidion articulatum. Common in the south.

Pronotum as long as wide. Paler patches towards the base of the elytra longer,
reaching the side-margin and sometimes connected with posterior spots.
Length 3.5-4.0 mm. ..............................................................................................
.......... Bembidion callosum
A non-established introduction.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
2826 All elytral striae distinct evident to the apex; the seventh not markedly weaker
than the sixth. ...................................................................................................29

Elytral striae usually absent or very indistinct near the apex; seventh stria very
weak or absent. ................................................................................................30

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
2928 Abdomen seen from below with the segments with a fringe
of bristles along the hind margin. Elytral striae strongly
punctured. Length 4.5-5.4 mm. ............................................
.......... Bembidion virens
Among gravel at the border of both salt and fresh water, running as well as
standing. Loch Maree, N. W. Scotland; apparently a stable colony.

Abdominal segments viewed from below only with the usual

single pair of bristles. Elytral striae almost without punctures.
Length 4.2-5.5 mm. ...............................................................
.......... Bembidion prasinum
On gravel banks close to running water. Sussex; Monmouth to Northumberland.
Wales. Scotland. Locally abundant in the north and west.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
3028 Head with a group of small but sharp punctures inside and behind eyes. .......31

Head without extra punctures. ..........................................................................32

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
3130 Smaller species, 4·2-5·0 mm. Pronotum smooth on top.
Elytra with the paler patches at the base and near the tip
distinctly separated by black. ...........................................
.......... Bembidion saxatile
On barren gravel at the margin of running and standing waters, also on the
seashore. Widely distributed; local but sometimes abundant.

Larger species, 5·5-6·0 mm. Pronotum with a microscopic

net-like sculpture on top. Elytra dark or diffusely reddish. ...
.......... Bembidion decorum
On gravelly banks of rivers. Widely distributed but becoming commoner to the
north.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
3230 Elytral striae becoming only slightly shallower towards the tip; second stria as
strong as first. Elytra uniformly dark. ...............................................................33
Subgenus Bembidionetolitzkya

Elytral striae more or less fading towards the tip; second stria weaker than first,
often irregular or absent. ...................................................................................35

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
3332 Apex of elytra tapering. Microscopic
sculpture shallower so the elytra are more
shiny. Length 4·5-5·5 mm. .......................
.......... Bembidion geniculatum
On gravel banks along rivers. Local in the north.
Bembidion caeruleum will probably key to here. It has only
been found in sandy habitats at Dungeness. It is a blacker
beetle with a bluish shine with the legs and antennae completely black, unlike
the other beetles in the subgenus.

Apex of elytra appearing sheared off. ........................................34

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
3433 Frontal furrows deep, prolonged backwards almost
to the level of the hind-margin of the eye. Base of
pronotum at the side, almost straight. Length 5.5-
6.6 mm. .................................................................
.......... Bembidion tibiale
On gravel banks along rivers. Often abundant.

Frontal furrows shallower, not prolonged. Base of

pronotum at the side oblique. Length 4.5-5.5
mm. ......................................................................
.......... Bembidion atrocaeruleum
On gravel banks along rives. Locally abundant.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
3532 Eighth elytral stria deep at the tip but suddenly
disappearing (or continuing as a row of small, not
connected punctures) before the middle.
Pronotum narrow and very convex. Elytra without
defined spots. Length 5.5-6.0 mm. .......................
.......... Bembidion stomoides
On river banks. Rare and local Hertfordshire and Norfolk
northwards to Scotland.

Eighth elytral stria well impressed, not shortened, but joining marginal stria in
the front half. .....................................................................................................36

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
3635 Elytra uniformly black to dark brown, with a metallic hue (rarely diffusely paler in
apical half but without defined spots. ................................................................37

Elytra with at least with a paler patch near the tip, which is clearly defined at the
front. .................................................................................................................40

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
3736 Pronotum dull due to a dense, net-like microscopic sculpture, extending over
the top. ..............................................................................................................38

Pronotum shiny, without microscopic sculpture on top. ....................................39

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
3837 Pronotum only slightly wider than the head.
Entire upper surface with a blue-green shine.
Legs reddish to chestnut or femora faintly
darkened. Length 4.5-5.0 mm. ....................
.......... Bembidion monticola
Usually near running water in shaded habitats. England,
becoming commoner to the north. Locally abundant.

Pronotum much wider than the head. Upper surface with a faint metallic hue.
Femora black or dark brown with a pale apex. .....................................................
.......... Bembidion bruxellense
On all kinds of moist ground with sparse vegetation, usually near water. Widely distributed but less
common in the south.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
3937 Maxillary palps and legs reddish to chestnut. Microscopic
sculpture of elytra consisting of transverse lines without
evident meshes. Length 5·2-6·1 mm. ................................
.......... Bembidion stephensii
On moist, clay soils with trickling water in the open e.g. on steep, barren sandy
clay under bushes, especially near the coast. Local and not common.

Second to last segment of maxillary palps and femora,

except apex, dark. Microscopic sculpture on elytra, forming
transverse meshes and only distinct apically. Length 4.5-5.3
mm. ........................................................................................
.......... Bembidion deletum
On moist, clay soils with trickling water, e.g. in gravel pits or near small brooks.
Often abundant.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
4036 Elytra without markings at the base, having only a large,
curved patch towards the tip. Pronotum broad and convex.
Seventh elytral stria virtually absent. Length 5·5-6·2 mm.
.......... Bembidion lunatum
On moist, usually clay soils, under leaves of Tussilago, etc.; especially on river
banks. Hibernating as larva and therefore not appearing until late spring.
England, becoming commoner to the north. Locally abundant.

Elytra with pale patches both near the base and tip, separated by a transverse
dark area (the two patches are joined at the side in maritimum). .....................41

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
4140 Elytra dull due to a strong, net-like microscopic sculpture, forming areas varying
from equal sided to twice as wide as long. Pale elytral spots joined at the sides.
.......... Bembidion maritimum
Confined to the seashore and river estuaries. Local but widely distributed

Elytra shiny, the microscopic sculpture consisting of transverse lines, usually

joining into meshes which are much wider than long. Dark patch separating the
pale areas reaches side margin. .....................................................................42

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
4241 Pronotum narrower, its raised lateral bead narrow, viewed
from above disappearing in the front third. Elytra longer, and
more parallel-sided. .......................................................... 43

Pronotum with raised lateral bead visible to front- angles. ...............................44

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
4342 Frontal furrows curved (concavely inwards). Pronotum without
microscopic sculpture and with short ridges on each side of the
centre line at the front. Dark area separating the paler patches
sharply defined. Length 5.5-6.5 mm. ........................................
.......... Bembidion fluviatile
On river banks of sand or clay. Local in England (except the south). Very local in South
Wales and the Eastern Highlands of Scotland.

Frontal furrows virtually straight. Pronotum microscopically

sculptured laterally, no ridges on each side of the centre line
at front. Darker area separating the paler patches with an
indistinct edge, particularly at the front. Length 4.5-5.5 mm.
.......... Bembidion testaceum
On the edge of running waters. Local in England but not in the south east. Very
local in Wales and Scotland.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
4442 Pronotum dull due to a microscopic net-like sculpturing over its
entire surface. Second segment of the antennae darkened. ....
.......... Bembidion bruxellense
On all kinds of moist ground with sparse vegetation, usually near water. Widely
distributed but less common in the south.

At least the top of the pronotum without microscopic sculpture. Second (and
often also third) antennal segment pale. ...........................................................46

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
4645 Seventh stria of the elytra distinct to the front. Base of
pronotum with rather coarse punctures. Wings usually
reduced. ........................................................................
.......... Bembidion tetracolum
Very common in open, moderately moist places with scattered vegetation of
weeds and grasses. Not dependent on open water.

Seventh stria of the elytra entirely absent or represented at the front only by a
few minute punctures. Base of pronotum without punctures or almost so.
Wings full-sized. ................................................................................................47

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
4746 Antennae with the 3 basal segments pale. Legs entirely pale or femora with
faint shadow at middle. .........................................................................................
.......... Bembidion bualei
On gravel banks along running waters, sometimes on the seashore. Very local in England, Locally
abundant in Scotland and Ireland.

Third antennal segment and femora clearly darkened. .......

.......... Bembidion femoratum
Widely distributed and often abundant on open, clay or gravelly soil, e.g. in sand
pits, not necessarily near water.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
481 Pronotum with base straight. Shoulders
angled. Elytra without a paler area near
the apex. .................................................
.......... Bembidion obtusum
On open, clay soils, often cultivated. Widely distributed
and usually common.

Base of pronotum wavy at the sides. Shoulders

rounded. Elytra usually with paler patch near the
apex. ...............................................................49

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
4948 Lateral curves of the base of the pronotum deep. Length 3·4-
5·5 mm. ..............................................................................50

Lateral curves of the base of the pronotum shallow.

Length 2·8-3·5 mm. ............................................53

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
5049 Seventh stria of the elytra distinct, marked with coarse
punctures towards the front. Upper surface with a strong
blue-green reflection. Length 3.8-4.3 mm. ........................
.......... Bembidion biguttatum
In somewhat moist meadows or open forests, usually near water, among moss
and leaves. Common.

Seventh stria of the elytra absent or faint. ........................................................51

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
5150 Pronotum dull due to a dense covering of microscopic sculpture over its entire
surface. Elytra with fine striae and flat intervals. Length 3.4-4.5 mm. .................
.......... Bembidion aeneum
On firm, moist clay with short vegetation of grass and sedges. Primarily on the seashore but also along
estuaries. Often abundant, but local.

Pronotum with the top smooth and shiny. Elytral striae with strong punctures
and intervals convex. ........................................................................................52

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
5251 Antennae very slender, segments 8-10 more than twice as long as wide. Elytral
striae less strongly punctured. Length 4.1-5.5 mm. ..............................................
.......... Bembidion iricolor
Confined to the seashore and inner estuaries, often under seaweed. British coast northwards to
Yorkshire. Local.

Antennae stouter, segments 8-10 less than twice as long as wide. Punctures
along the elytral striae stronger. Length 3.6-4.1 mm. ..........................................
.......... Bembidion lunulatum
On clay soils with rich vegetation near water; also on the seashore. England, northwards to Cumbria.
Local but not rare.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.
5349 Legs and first antennal segment bright
reddish. Pronotum broader, with more
rounded sides. Elytra shorter, more
convex. Upper surface without or with
faint bluish hue; pale patch near apex
at most ill-defined, often absent. Wings always reduced.
Length 2.8-3.4 mm. ........................................................
.......... Bembidion mannerheimii
ln deciduous forests or brush, in fens etc., among moss, leaves and twigs
on moderately moist soils. Widespread and locally abundant

Legs and first antennal segment more

brownish. Pronotum with more defined
hind-angles. Upper surface with more
evident, blue or green, reflection, paler
patch near the apex usually bright and
distinct. Wings usually fully developed. Length 2.8-3.5
mm. ..............................................................................
.......... Bembidion guttula
Near fresh water, usually on clay, where the vegetation is rich; also in
shady habitats. Common.

Creative Commons Adaptation © Mike Hackston 2012. Adapted from Lindroth, 1974.