Ground Beetles of Africa (2nd Edition)
Afrotropical Region – Family Carabidae
Ground Beetles of Africa (2nd edition) is an extensively revised and visually enhanced reference work devoted to the extraordinary diversity of the family Carabidae in the Afrotropical region, including continental sub-Saharan Africa and adjacent biogeographical units traditionally associated with the Ethiopian Region. This volume represents a substantial expansion and refinement of the earlier title Ground Beetles of Africa – Ethiopian Region and Madagascar, providing both updated taxonomy and significantly improved visual and cartographic documentation.
Scope and scientific significance
The book documents 860 species belonging to approximately 170 genera, making it one of the most comprehensive pictorial treatments of Afrotropical ground beetles currently available. Carabidae are among the most ecologically important beetle families, occupying a wide range of terrestrial habitats and playing a key role as predators in soil, leaf-litter, and ground-surface ecosystems. By integrating taxonomic, ecological, and distributional data, this work serves as a critical resource for professional entomologists, museum curators, collectors, and serious naturalists.
Structure and identification value
Conceived as a unique pictorial atlas for beetle identification, the core of the book consists of high-resolution photographic plates that emphasize diagnostic morphological characters essential for reliable species-level determination. Many of the illustrated taxa are shown here for the first time in published form, significantly increasing the accessibility of Afrotropical carabid diversity to a global audience.
A major innovation of the second edition is the inclusion of a small distribution map adjacent to each species entry in the main section. These maps indicate both the known country-level occurrence and the precise country of origin of the illustrated specimen, allowing rapid assessment of geographic range and supporting biogeographical comparisons across the region.
(2022) Ground Beetles of Africa, Afrotropical Region
(2022) Jewel Beetles of the World, Buprestidae, Illustrated guide to the Superfamily Buprestoidea
Taxonomy and classification
Species and genera are arranged according to widely used modern frameworks, primarily those of W. Lorenz and J. Robertson & W. Moore. Tribal classification is presented as a practical organizational tool rather than as a definitive phylogenetic statement, reflecting the current dynamic state of carabid systematics. The authors explicitly acknowledge that higher-level relationships within Carabidae remain subject to ongoing revision, particularly in light of recent molecular and integrative taxonomic studies.
Enhancements in the 2nd edition
Compared with the first edition, the second edition introduces a number of substantive improvements:
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Addition of five newly included species
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Correction of several species names in accordance with current nomenclatural standards
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Removal of parentheses around subgenera and subspecies to reflect updated taxonomic conventions
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Revision and updating of countries of occurrence
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Introduction of country-level distribution maps for each species in the main section
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Inclusion of a visual guide preceding the supplementary section for improved orientation
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Color correction applied to nearly all images to enhance diagnostic clarity
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Improved print quality, including higher image resolution and increased paper weight
These changes collectively enhance both the scientific accuracy and the practical usability of the book.
Ecology, habitat, and distribution
Beyond identification, the volume provides contextual information on habitat preferences, behavior, and distribution patterns of Afrotropical ground beetles. Carabidae in this region inhabit environments ranging from tropical rainforests and savannas to montane systems and arid zones, often exhibiting high levels of endemism. The updated distribution data presented in this edition contribute to a better understanding of regional biodiversity patterns and have clear relevance for conservation biology and ecological research.
Intended audience and purpose
The stated aim of the book is to introduce the remarkable diversity of Afrotropical ground beetles to a broad audience of nature enthusiasts while maintaining a high scientific standard. Its combination of authoritative taxonomy, unpublished illustrations, and refined visual presentation makes it equally suitable as a field-adjacent identification reference, a museum and academic resource, and an educational tool for those seeking a deeper appreciation of African beetle fauna.
In summary, Ground Beetles of Africa (2nd edition) stands as a definitive visual and taxonomic overview of Afrotropical Carabidae. By uniting extensive species coverage with modern classification, precise distribution mapping, and high-quality imagery, it represents a major contribution to the documentation and understanding of African beetle biodiversity.