Ground Beetles

Family Carabidae

Fiery searcher (Calosoma scrutator). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Carabid beetles are fast running beetles with long legs. Most species are dark coloured, but some have brilliant or even metallic colors. The head is narrower than the thorax. This is one of the largest families of beetles in North America. Many species of ground beetles are beneficial by feeding on pest insects. Ground beetles are commonly found under stones, wood and leaves in damp places, but some species are also found in dry habitats. When they are disturbed they run rapidly but rarely fly and some species cannot fly at all. Most species of Carabidae are active during the night and hide during the day.