Ground Beetles (family Carabidae)
Ground Beetles are a widespread group of beetles, of which there are over 300 species in Britain. Although they have different body shapes they all have long, slender legs and antennae, powerful jaws and slightly flattened. They are mostly brown or black and shiny, though some are green, red and black or have yellow or green markings.
Habitats
Ground Beetles are found on the ground in a wide variety of places, including under wood, stones, leaf litter and debris.
Behaviour
When threatened, Ground Beetles can secrete a noxious, highly irritant fluid from stomach, though this is harmless to humans. Females also use this as their own can of 'pepper spray' to deter over-persistent males.
Breeding
Females lay eggs in the soil that hatch into elongated larvae with a large head, before they pupate in the soil. The life cycle of most species takes about one year, although adults may live 2 to 3 years or longer.
Feeding
Most Ground Beetles actively hunt for any invertebrate prey they can overpower. Many species vomit on their food and wait for their digestive enzymes to make their food more fluid and easier to eat.