Helotrechids

Helotrechids are a subfamily of beetles belonging to the family Carabidae, commonly known as ground beetles. They are a relatively small group, with most species found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Their appearance is generally unremarkable, with most species being small to medium-sized and dark in coloration. Many helotrechids are fossorial, meaning they are adapted for living underground. This lifestyle has led to a reduction in wing development in many species, with some being flightless. Their eyes are often small or absent, reflecting their subterranean existence where vision is not a primary sense. Information on their specific feeding habits and life cycles is limited for many species due to their elusive nature. However, it is generally understood that they are predatory, feeding on small invertebrates found in soil and leaf litter. Their cryptic lifestyle makes them challenging to study, and much remains unknown about their ecology and distribution. The subfamily Helotrechinae was first described by Jeannel in 1926.