See text Laemostenus is a genus of ground beetles present on all continents on Earth, except Antarctica.

There are nearly 200 species in the genus, divided into several subgenera.

Beetles of the genus are about 8 to 28 millimeters long.

Many are dark in color with a blue or purple sheen.

Others, especially subterranean and cave-dwelling species, are depigmented, much lighter in color, with reduced eyes.