Overview of Carabidae in the UK
The Carabidae family, commonly known as ground beetles, is a diverse and widespread group in the UK. Here are some key points about Carabidae in the UK:
Carabidae UK
Characteristics
Physical Features: Ground beetles have filiform (threadlike) antennae, five segmented tarsi, and hind coxae forming triangular plates. They also have lobed hind trochanters extending along the femora.
Size and Coloration: They vary in size from 1.8 mm to 35 mm and exhibit a range of iridescent metallic colors.
Buy now. List of family Coleoptera
You can find here: Carabidae, Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Cicindelidae, Scarabaeidae, Lucanidae, Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae, Staphylinidae
Books about Beetles
Unique pictorial atlases for identifying Beetles:
(2020) Tiger Beetles of the World, Cicindelidae, Illustrated guide to the genera
(2023) Tiger Beetles of Africa, Cicindelidae, Geographical guide to the family Cicindelidae
(2024) Tiger Beetles of Orient, Cicindelidae, Geographical guide to the family Cicindelidae
(2022) Ground Beetles of Africa, Afrotropical Region
(2022) Jewel Beetles of the World, Buprestidae, Illustrated guide to the Superfamily Buprestoidea
(2008) The Prionids of the World, Prioninae, Illustrated catalogue of the Beetles
(2010) The Prionids of the Neotropical region, Prioninae, Illustrated catalogue of the Beetles
Habitat and Behavior
Habitat: Ground beetles can be found in various habitats but are particularly abundant in riparian and coastal areas.
Behavior: They are largely nocturnal and often hide under rocks, logs, and grass tussocks during the day. They have large eyes, long legs, and strong jaws.
Ecological Role
Predatory Role: Ground beetles are opportunistic predators feeding on soil-dwelling insects like caterpillars, wireworms, maggots, ants, aphids, and slugs. They play a crucial role in biological control within agricultural ecosystems.
Conservation Status: Despite their importance, many species are experiencing declines in biodiversity, with significant implications for ecosystem health and agricultural productivity.
Species Diversity
Number of Species: The UK is home to over 350 species of ground beetles, with the 2012 British list recognizing 362 species.
Subfamilies: The main subfamilies in the UK include Cincindelidae (tiger beetles), Brachininae (bombardier beetles), Omophroninae, and Carabinae (traditional ground beetles).
Carabidae UK
Conservation Efforts
Recording Schemes: There are ongoing recording schemes to monitor and study ground beetles, led by organizations like the Carabidae Recording Scheme.
Threat Status: Some species are listed as endangered or vulnerable, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these important ecological agents. Carabidae UK