ExploreInsects

Violet ground beetle

Carabus violaceus

The Violet Ground Beetle is a shiny, purple insect that loves to hide under leaves and rocks. It helps keep gardens healthy by eating pests like slugs and snails.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Violet ground beetle has a distinctive iridescent purple or blue-black body with a smooth, elongated oval shape. Its wing cases are fused, giving it a sleek appearance, often with a metallic sheen along the edges.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCarabidaeGenusCarabus
Violet ground beetle
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Violet ground beetle

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

It's a flightless beetle, but it can still cover impressive distances on foot!

Its shimmering violet color comes from light scattering, not pigments!

Some ground beetles have been found living over 3,000 meters high!

This beetle is a natural pest controller, helping gardens by eating slugs!

Special abilities

Ability

Rapid Runner

Violet ground beetle can run extremely fast because of its powerful legs that help it chase prey and escape predators.

Ability

Chemical Shield

Violet ground beetle can spray irritating chemicals from its rear to deter attackers, protecting itself from predators.

Ability

Night Vision Hunter

Violet ground beetle has excellent night vision and senses that help them hunt small creatures in the dark.

Measurements & details

Size
20-30 mm
Lifespan
365-1095 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This beetle is a hungry hunter, feasting on small garden pests and slugs!

Primary Foods

  • slugs
  • snails
  • caterpillars
  • earthworms

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Red Slug

Arion rufus

Relies on it as a primary food source in gardens.

eaten by

Eurasian Blackbird

Turdus merula

Beetles are a food source for birds and small mammals.

eaten by

European Hedgehog

Erinaceus europaeus

Hedgehogs are predators of ground beetles in gardens.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These beetles are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Violet ground beetle?

20-30 mm

How long does Violet ground beetle live?

365-1095 days

What does Violet ground beetle eat?

This beetle is a hungry hunter, feasting on small garden pests and slugs!

Where is Violet ground beetle usually found?

Grasslands

How does Violet ground beetle hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Violet ground beetle have?

6

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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