| Promecognathus laevissimus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Promecognathus crassus | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Adephaga |
| Family: | Carabidae |
| Genus: | Promecognathus |
| Species: | P. laevissimus |
| Binomial name | |
| Promecognathus laevissimus (Dejean, 1829) | |
| Synonyms [1] | |
Eripus laevissimus, Promecognathus debilis | |
Promecognathus laevissimus, also known as the smooth millipede hunter, [2] is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in western North America, including Oregon, California, and Nevada. [1]
P. laevissimus is closely related to Promecognathus crassus . Like P. crassus, P. laevissimus uses its large jaws to feed on millipedes, including those that produce hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde, like Xystocheir dissecta . It has a high tolerance to these toxins. [3]
Adult P. laevissimus are glossy black beetles 5–18 millimetres (0.20–0.71 in) long with long jaws and a narrow thorax. They are nocturnal. [2]
