# Bembidion Rolandi The Bembidion Rolandi is a small, shiny beetle that loves to scurry around on the ground. It can be found in many different places, making it a fun insect to spot in nature! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger - **Habitat:** They live in moist environments such as near streams, ponds, and wetlands. - **Also known as:** Roland's Ground Beetle, Water Beetle ![Bembidion Rolandi](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Bembidion_rolandi.jpg&width=800) Photo: David R. Madison, CC BY 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bembidion_rolandi.jpg) ## Appearance The Bembidion Rolandi is a small, slender ground beetle, often with a dark, iridescent body that can appear metallic blue or green. Its hard wing cases feature distinct, fine grooves, setting it apart from many duller beetle species. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Carabidae - **Genus:** Bembidion ## Interesting facts - After hatching, it transforms completely from a larva into an adult beetle! - Its antennae are constantly wiggling to smell and feel its way around its habitat. - Its shiny body acts like a tiny mirror, reflecting its surroundings to stay hidden! - These speedy beetles can run up to 15 body lengths per second! ## Special abilities - **Flash Dash:** Bembidion Rolandi can run incredibly fast on its six legs, helping it escape danger or quickly chase down tiny prey. - **Amphibious Agile:** Bembidion Rolandi has specialized legs that help it move swiftly across damp soil and wet rocks near water sources. - **Hunter's Gaze:** Bembidion Rolandi has excellent vision to spot tiny, scurrying insects, making it a highly effective hunter. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 7-10 mm - **Size:** 3-5 mm - **Lifespan:** 90-180 days - **Flight Speed:** 8 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding This swift beetle hunts and eats small insects and their larvae found in damp places. - **Primary Foods:** springtails, gnat larvae, mite eggs, aphids - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Marsh Springtail (*Isotomurus palustris*) — A primary food source in damp habitats. - **Hunts:** Common Midge Larva (*Chironomus plumosus*) — Larvae found in aquatic sediments are prey. - **Eaten by:** [Grey Wagtail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grey-wagtail) (*Motacilla cinerea*) — A bird often found near streams that preys on insects. - **Eaten by:** Wolf Spider (*Pardosa amentata*) — A common ground-dwelling spider that preys on beetles. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Bembidion Rolandi? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Bembidion Rolandi's wingspan? 7-10 mm ### How big is Bembidion Rolandi? 3-5 mm ### How long does Bembidion Rolandi live? 90-180 days ### How fast can Bembidion Rolandi fly? 8 km/h ### What does Bembidion Rolandi eat? This swift beetle hunts and eats small insects and their larvae found in damp places. ### Where is Bembidion Rolandi usually found? They live in moist environments such as near streams, ponds, and wetlands. ### How does Bembidion Rolandi hunt? Pursuit ## Where to spot - [Surrey Square Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/surrey-square-park) — Virginia, US · Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Bembidion Rolandi: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bembidion-rolandi)