Ground Beetle (Carabus species).
August 4, 2011 in Biopedia, Other Invertebrates by PaulS
Ubiquitous to our area. These beetles are a nocturnal hunter of other insects. They are very good to have in your garden as they eat a variety of pests. During the day they can be found under logs or stones.
The larvae are carnivorous too. They take ten months to mature and after pupating they live for around nine months in adult form. The adult beetles are around 3cms long. They are not flying beetles. The wing casings are fused together to create a protective shell.
That`s what I like about this site always learning.I`ve never heard of one let alone seen one.
Just a thought. Could this photograph be Carabus problematicus? The granulae on the elytra appear to be in rows rather than irregularly placed. Otherwise a very similar species and I’d be happy to be wrong. I don’t want to detract from an excellent write up on VGB, it just highlights the difficulties in making photo IDs. Sorry for being a pedant.
Simon
It could be possible Simon. The elytra didn’t seam detailed enough for problematicus. It was quite smooth and probably looks more detailed in the photo.
I’ll edit the post to save any confusion.
“Separation of these two species can be difficult in some specimens, and may require comparison with museum specimens.” TG Forsythe, 2000, Ground Beetls, Naturalists Handbook 8, p30.
I will print a copy and take it with me to the Northern Coleopterists’ Meeting in September. Either compare it with some museum specimens or ask an expert. Incidentally, if anybody is interested in this event I will have spare spaces in the car.
Simon
Paul
Have you got location and date details for this photograph please. I can then send the record along with a batch to the national recorder.
Simon
It was taken on the 8th of July 2011 at 7.30pm and the location was Kelling Heath, Norfolk.