Category: Carabidae Beetles

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.

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