Size: 12-14.3mm (for M.c.contractus) 8.9-12mm (for M.c.sericeus) (we currently have no examples of M.c.planatus)

Seasonality: Year-round overall, generally adults are active during the wet, cooler months in said location, actual seasonality varies per climate.

Distribution; BC, WA, OR, CA, NV

Information: this description was created using Oregonian M.c.contractus specimens from the Willamette Valley.  Reside in mixed forest habitats, as well as grassy dunes along the Pacific Ocean, open meadows, and sandy roadsides.  Often found near ant activity, frequently found alongside Omus californicus in California. Emit a potent odour when disturbed, this comes from a heated chemical which the species secretes to ward off potential predators.

Description: body: elongate-ovate, compact; convex. Dorsal colouration: fully matte black. Ventral colouration: glossy black, legs also glossy black, underside of legs lined with dense, orange setae. Each elytron lined with 7-8 thin, extremely shallow striae, almost absent in some specimens, intervals smooth. Apex weakly pointed, emlytal margins thin, upturned slightly near shoulders, elytral suture fused in most specimens, flightless. Pronotum matte black, appears as though the pronotal basal margins are fused to base of elytra. Lateral margins near hind pronotal angles thick, upturned, steadily tapering as margins curve towards the base of the head. Minor wrinkles cover much or the pronotal disk. Antennae glossy black; pubescence begins on the third antennomere after the pedicel. Scapus same length as pedicel, slightly shorter than the first antennomere. Palps black. Mandibles short, curved close to the labrum. Eyes small, ridge covers part of the dorsal face of the eye, most of head smooth, with two wrinkled indentations on either side of the vertex.

Subspecies:

Metrius contractus contractus Eschscholtz, 1829

Metrius contractus planatus Van Dyke, 1925

Metrius contractus sericeus Rivers, 1900