hypokromi

Hypokromi is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by the entomologist J. K. Smith in 1934. The name derives from the Greek words “hypo” (under) and “kromos” (color), a reference to the comparatively muted elytra of the species within the genus. The genus is placed in the subfamily Harpalinae and is most closely related to the genera *Harpalus* and *Brachinus* based on morphological similarities in the hindwing venation and the structure of the male genitalia.

Species of Hypokromi are small to medium sized, typically ranging from 5 to 10 millimetres in length. Their bodies are usually dark brown with faint ochre streaks on the elytra. They possess a distinctive pronotum with a shallow, rounded angle at the front. Many species exhibit a set of lateral spines along the femora, a feature used in species identification. The larvae are subterranean, feeding primarily on plant roots and detritus, a behavior typical of many Harpalinae beetles.

The genus is known from the temperate regions of East Asia, with recorded occurrences in Japan, South Korea, and eastern China. Habitat preferences include forest leaf litter, under stones, and occasionally open grasslands. Hypokromi species are considered important bioindicators for soil health, as they respond quickly to changes in moisture and organic matter content.

Research on Hypokromi has focused primarily on taxonomy, with few phylogenetic studies conducted. Recent molecular analyses suggested that Hypokromi may constitute a paraphyletic group within Harpalinae, indicating a need for further taxonomic revision. Conservation status for most species is unknown, though habitat fragmentation and pollution have been noted as potential threats in some regions.