# Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle (*Scaphinotus angusticollis*) The Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle is a small bug that loves to munch on snails! It has a long, narrow neck and shiny black body, making it look quite special in the garden. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Forests ![Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Scaphinotus_angusticollis_Mannerheim_landscape.jpg&width=800) Photo: Michael K. Oliver, Ph.D., CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scaphinotus_angusticollis_Mannerheim_landscape.jpg) ## Appearance The Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle has a sleek, often metallic dark blue or black body, distinguished by its notably slender 'neck' (prothorax) connecting to a wider head and abdomen. Its wing covers are typically ridged or grooved, giving it a textured appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Carabidae - **Genus:** Scaphinotus ## Interesting facts - Even though it has wing covers, this beetle cannot fly at all! - Some species can live for several years, which is long for a beetle! - They are like tiny gardeners, helping to control snail populations naturally! - This beetle got its name because its neck is much thinner than its head! ## Special abilities - **Shell Navigator:** Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle can fit its narrow head into snail shells because of its unique body shape, allowing it to reach its prey. - **Stinky Defender:** Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle has glands that spray foul-smelling chemicals that help them deter curious predators. - **Night Hunter:** Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle can hunt in low light because of its sensitive antennae and keen senses that help them find prey. ## Measurements & details - **Size:** 15-20 mm - **Lifespan:** 730-1095 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These beetles are expert hunters, feasting mainly on snails and slugs found in damp places. - **Primary Foods:** snails, slugs, small insects - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Wrinkled Amber Snail (*Haplotrema concavum*) — Preys on this common terrestrial snail. - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — An occasional meal for ground-foraging birds. - **Eats:** [Garden Snail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-snail) (*Cornu aspersum*) — Helps control populations of invasive garden snails. ## 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. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be careful not to touch bugs you find, as some can bite or sting. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle? 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. ### How big is Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle? 15-20 mm ### How long does Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle live? 730-1095 days ### What does Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle eat? These beetles are expert hunters, feasting mainly on snails and slugs found in damp places. ### Where is Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle usually found? Forests ### How does Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle hunt? Pursuit ### How many legs does Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Santiam State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/santiam-state-forest) — Oregon, US · Forest - [Englishman River Falls Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/englishman-river-falls-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Ruckle Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ruckle-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Seward Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/seward-park) — Washington, US · Park - [Juan de Fuca Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/juan-de-fuca-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Matheson Lake Regional Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/matheson-lake-regional-park) — British Columbia, CA · Park [View all places to see Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/narrow-collared-snail-eating-beetle) ## 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: [Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/narrow-collared-snail-eating-beetle)