Ground beetles in the UK belong to the family Carabidae and are significant for their role in controlling pests. Here are some key points about ground beetles in the UK:
Ground Beetles UK
Key Facts About Ground Beetles in the UK
Species and Distribution: There are approximately 350 species of ground beetles in the UK, with about 20-30 species being important for biocontrol. They are widely distributed across various habitats, including gardens and farmland. Ground Beetles UK
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
Ground Beetles UK
Books about Beetles
Physical Characteristics: Ground beetles are typically black or brown, often with metallic sheens, and range in size from 2 to 25 mm. Most are flightless and nocturnal.
Life Cycle: The life cycle of ground beetles varies, with some breeding in summer/autumn and overwintering as larvae, while others breed in spring and overwinter as adults. The cycle can last from one to several years.
Diet and Role: Ground beetles are generalist predators that feed on a variety of pests, including aphids, fly eggs and larvae, moth/butterfly eggs and larvae, slugs, and weed seeds. They play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling pest populations.
Habitat and Encouragement: Ground beetles can be encouraged by creating beetle banks in large fields, maintaining field margins with tussock-forming grasses, reducing soil tillage intensity, and minimizing insecticide use. In gardens, they can be supported by providing habitats like wood piles. Ground Beetles UK
Status: Despite their importance, ground beetle populations have declined due to factors like insecticides and intensive soil tillage1. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect these beneficial insects.
Common Species in Gardens
One notable species found in gardens is the violet ground beetle (Carabus violaceus), known for its metallic-purple edges and its predation of larger garden pests like slugs and caterpillars.