Ground beetle

/ɡɹˈaʊnd bˈiːtəl/

/ɡɹˈaʊnd bˈiːɾəl/

[noun]

Ground beetle

[NOUN]

a predatory insect found on the ground, known for its elongated body and dark coloration

synonyms : carabid beetle

What is a "ground beetle"?

A ground beetle is a type of insect commonly found on the ground in various habitats. They are typically characterized by their elongated body shape, shiny or matte black coloration, and prominent mandibles. Ground beetles are known for their voracious appetite, preying on a variety of other insects, pests, and even small invertebrates. They play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of harmful pests and contributing to nutrient recycling in the soil. Ground beetles are often considered beneficial insects in agricultural and garden settings due to their predatory nature.

Examples

1. For any other ground beetle larva, the high-speed lunge from a hungry frog would mean game-over.

2. So however these ground beetle larvae managed it, it’s working well for them now!

3. In many cases, the food chain is pretty well-defined: Like how lions eat zebra, how spiders eat flies, or how many amphibians eat ground beetle larvae.