Ground Beetles: Carabidae
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A walk through the woods, or along a river path, often means an encounter a large, dark bodied beetle.
These forest floor predators go by the name ground beetles, a large family (Carabidae) of beetles in the suborder Adephaga.
Ground beetles inhabit most areas of the world, and scientists estimate up to three hundred thousand species have already been documented. They spend their nights, (most are nocturnal) roaming the ground in search of insect prey.
Although not shown in the top picture, the bottom of the abdomen of the species in the top picture curves and ends in a point. This characteristic indicates 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.
Approximately one dozen different Pasimachus species walk the ground around the United States.
Many are called Blue-lined or Purple-line Ground Beetles because of the colorful tint around the edges of the body.
The second picture highlights the Pasimachus large head and jaws. They are predators that use their jaws to catch and consume caterpillars and a variety of insects in their territory.
Pterostichus is the dominant genera of Woodland Ground Beetles.
The shiny body, striated elytra and location of the species pictured above, tentatively places it in the genera.
On occasion, ground beetles are known to make their way inside structures. While known for powerful jaws, most ground beetles are not known to actively bite humans.
All things being equal, they prefer a flight over fight defensive strategy. Most will scurry away from humans, and on occasion they will fly. Because they are beneficial insects, agriculturalists generally do not recommend the use of pesticides as a pest control strategy.
Bombardier beetles, a group of ground beetles, get their name from their special defensive mechanism. When alarmed, the brew of a noxious chemical compound in their abdomen, releasing it on the intruder with a popping sound.
It can irritate human skin, however, it's a more potent defense against actual predators, such as frogs.
© 2009-2011 Patricia A. Michaels