Crossed Elytral Epipleurs
A good character for separating many Carabid genera albeit one that needs a little practice, especially where the inner and outer margins of the epipleura approach each other subapically without crossing. To appreciate whether they are crossed or not orient the specimen so that the side of the beetle is brilliantly lit and, beginning from about the middle of the elytra, follow the inner and outer margins of the epipleur slowly towards the apex. Shortly before the apex the outer line will suddenly appear margined although the exact crossover point may be confused e.g. in some Amara where the 7th and 8th striae can be widely punctured and wrinkled.
Crossed	Uncrossed
Abax Amara Oodes Pterostichus Stomis Zabrus	Agonum Anisodactylus Harpalus Leistus Lionychus Masoreus Olisthopus Ophonus Patrobus Platyclerus Pogonus Pterostichus (cristatus) Sphodrus Syntomis