Green Nature

Ground Beetle: Scaphinotus

picture of a ground beetle (Scaphinotus)


A walk through the woods might mean an encounter with ony one of a dozen or so dark bodies ground beetles, as well as other ground beetles whose bodies show shades of brown, green or purple.

The bottom of the abdomen of the species in the top picture (which is not shown in the picture) curves and ends in a point indicative of a member of the Scaphinotus genus.

The narrow head and jaws make it easier for it to feed on snails, it's meal of choice as it roams the forest floors.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels