Silerek

Silerek is a small, nocturnal insect belonging to the order Coleoptera. The species was first identified in 2022 by entomologists studying the forest ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. It is placed in the family Carabidae, tribe Cicatérini, and is distinguished by its iridescent elytra and elongated mandibles. Adult silerek measure approximately 8–10 millimetres in length and are predominantly dark brown with metallic blue reflections under ultraviolet light.

Morphologically, silerek has a distinctive pronotum with a row of five dorsal spines and a pair of filiform antennae that are longer than the head. Its larvae are vermiform and possess a well-developed set of mandibles adapted for insect prey. They are typically found in leaf litter and among moss layers on damp rock faces. The species has a bivoltine life cycle, with adults emerging twice per year, once in late spring and again in late summer. Reproduction occurs via internal fertilization, and females deposit eggs in moist soil. Larval development lasts approximately three months, with pupation occurring within a protective cocoon constructed from leaf fibres.

Silerek is known to inhabit temperate rainforests, particularly in the coastal ranges of Oregon and Washington. Its distribution is patchy, with populations occurring in isolated montane forest fragments. The species appears to prefer microhabitats with high humidity and abundant fungal growth, which provide both shelter and hunting grounds. Although currently not classified as endangered, silerek’s limited range makes it potentially vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, invasive predators, and climate‑induced shifts in moisture regimes. Conservation efforts emphasize the protection of forest understory habitat and the monitoring of population trends to detect early signs of decline.