Ground Beetle
ExploreInsects
Ground Beetle
Carabus spp.
Ground Beetles are fast runners and love to hide under rocks and leaves. They eat other insects and help keep pests away!
Habitat: Forests and gardens
Appearance
The Ground Beetle is typically dark-colored, often black, brown, or metallic green/blue, with a flattened body and long, slender legs. It has prominent mandibles (jaws) and long antennae, which help distinguish it from common cockroaches.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCarabidaeGenusCarabus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Many ground beetles are incredibly fast runners on their long legs!
Some species have amazing metallic shells that shimmer with color!
Their larvae are also fierce, predatory hunters like the adults!
They undergo a complete transformation called metamorphosis!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Speedster
Ground Beetles can run incredibly fast because of their long, powerful legs, that helps them chase down prey.
Ability
Night Vision Noses
Ground Beetles have super-sensitive antennae that helps them detect prey and navigate in complete darkness.
Ability
Chemical Shield
Ground Beetles can spray smelly or irritating chemicals from their rear, that helps them deter predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 5-70 mm
- Size
- 2-35 mm
- Lifespan
- 365-1460 days
- Flight Speed
- 5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These beetles are mostly predators, eating small insects and slugs to help keep gardens healthy.
Age differences: Larvae also hunt small invertebrates.
Primary Foods
- caterpillars
- slugs
- snails
- insect larvae
- aphids
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Cabbage White Butterfly
Pieris rapae
Ground beetles prey on their caterpillars.
eats
Spanish Slug
Arion vulgaris
Slugs are a common food source for many species.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Birds frequently feed on ground beetles.
eaten by
Common Shrew
Sorex araneus
Shrews find ground beetles to be tasty snacks.
Traits
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Carabid BeetleGround Beetles
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ground Beetle's wingspan?
5-70 mm
How big is Ground Beetle?
2-35 mm
How long does Ground Beetle live?
365-1460 days
How fast can Ground Beetle fly?
5 km/h
What does Ground Beetle eat?
These beetles are mostly predators, eating small insects and slugs to help keep gardens healthy.
Where is Ground Beetle usually found?
Forests and gardens
How does Ground Beetle hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Ground Beetle have?
6
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