Ground Beetles

Carabidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Carabidae: //kəˈræbɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Pseudanophthalmus engelhardti by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Bembidion (Diplocampa) microreticulatum by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Bembidion (S.str.) alutaceum by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Carabus quadraticollis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Clinidium kochalkai by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Dyschirius comatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

The family Carabidae consists of a diverse group of ground-dwelling beetles with significant ecological roles as predators. With adaptations ranging from defensive secretions to specialized predation strategies, ground beetles represent a crucial family within the insect order Coleoptera.

Physical Characteristics

Most ground beetles are shiny black or metallic with ridged wing covers (elytra). Encompassing a range of body shapes and colors, they vary notably in size from 0.7 to 66 mm. Some species have fused elytra, rendering them unable to fly.

Identification Tips

To differentiate between carabids and staphylinids, note that carabids have 6-segmented legs and usually 2 claws; staphylinids have 5-segmented legs and 1 claw. Carabid larvae have solidly attached urgomphi, whereas staphylinid larvae have articulated urgomphi with fewer segments depending on the species.

Habitat

Commonly found in terrestrial habitats such as under bark, logs, rocks, or sand by ponds and rivers.

Distribution

Worldwide, with over 40,000 species, around 2,000 in North America, and 2,700 in Europe.

Diet

Primarily carnivorous, preying on various invertebrates; some species are herbivorous or omnivorous, feeding on pollen, berries, and seeds.

Life Cycle

Ground beetles undergo complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Specific reproduction details vary among species, but like many beetles, they generally lay eggs in suitable environments for larvae development.

Predators

Natural predators include various birds and mammals that hunt insects.

Ecosystem Role

Important predators of invertebrates, contributing to pest control in ecosystems.

Economic Impact

Many species are considered beneficial for controlling pest populations, while some can be agricultural nuisances when present in large numbers, such as certain herbivorous species causing crop damage.

Cultural Significance

Highly sought after by coleopterists and enthusiasts for collection due to their size, color, and varied morphology. Historically significant, as noted in the collecting interests of Charles Darwin.

Health Concerns

Some species possess defensive secretions that can cause discomfort or pain to humans, particularly bombardier beetles that eject caustic substances.

Collecting Methods

  • Trapping
  • Hand collection
  • Pitfall traps
  • Light traps

Preservation Methods

  • Drying
  • Pinning
  • Alcohol preservation
  • Freezing

Evolution

Part of the ancient beetle suborder Adephaga, with members documented since the end of the Permian (about 250 million years ago). They evolved in the Triassic and have diversified significantly since then.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Commonly thought to be similar to staphylinids, but they differ in several key anatomical features like leg structure and larval urogomphi.

Tags

  • Ground Beetles
  • Carabidae
  • Coleoptera
  • Predatory Insects
  • Biodiversity