Ground Beetle

Order/family: Coleoptera/Carabidae

Scientific Name: Carabidae

Grounds beetles comprise a large group of beetles which vary in size from 1/8” to 1”. Most are flat, dark brown or black, with hard bodies with long ridges that run the length of their wing covers. Some species can have a metallic blue or green color. Ground beetle larvae have bodies 3/8 to 1-3/4 inch long, slightly flattened, cream to brown in color, and slightly tapered at each end. They have three pairs of well-developed legs and run quickly. The heads bear sickle-shaped mandibles (jaws) that are pointed forward.