Coleoptera

The Carabidae are a large group of actively-hunting, fast-running, voracious predators that have around 350 representatives in the British Isles.

Elaphrus cupreus being investigated by a Myrmica rubra ant - Cheshire, England - August 2009

The genus Elaphrus are a very distinctive group of Carabids that are easily distinguished by the strongly indented "mirrors" dotted over the elytra. There are 4 species of Elaphrus resident in the UK and all of them are found near water.

Elaphrus cupreus - Cheshire, England - August 2009

Tiger Beetles were formerly considered to belong to a separate family, the Cicindelidae, but are now classified as a subfamily within the Carabidae.

Green Tiger Beetle (Cicindela campestris) - Anglesey, Wales - July 2008

The Green Tiger Beetle is a sun-loving species that is often seen running rapidly across areas of sparse vegetation and bare ground which are its favoured habitat.

Green Tiger Beetle (Cicindela campestris) - Anglesey, Wales - July 2008

Cicindela sylvicola -Valais, Switzerland - June 2013

Cicindela sylvicola is a montane species found from Central Europe to central Italy.

unidentified Tiger Beetle - Tambopata, Peru - December 2008

unidentified Tiger Beetle - Tambopata, Peru - December 2008

Carabus glabratus - Highland, Scotland - April 2011

Of the 12 species of Carabus beetles that occur in the UK, C. glabratus is one of the largest and can grow up to 30mm in length. It is found in hilly and mountainous areas, often in forests.

Carabus glabratus - Highland, Scotland - April 2011

In the photo below, a massive parasitic worm was in the process of erupting from the abdomen of the still-living beetle.  Amazing how a worm that size could have fitted inside the beetle without killing its host!

Parasitic worm erupting from the abdomen of Carabus glabratus - Highland, Scotland - April 2011

There are 35 species of Amara beetles in Britain, many of which are only identifiable by dissection of the male genetalia.

Amara sp. - East Yorkshire, England - May 2009