Pterostichus melanarius
Bio Images UK / Malcom Storey
This beetle is just one
of many species which get the name "Common Black Ground
Beetle." Many of the different species are very
similar. This ground beetle can
grow a little over half an inch long. It is nearly all black
with some dark reddish-brown coloring on antennae
and legs. Many grooves run lengthwise down the beetle's
wings. This beetle was
introduced
from Europe. Copyright, The Provincial Museum of
Alberta Black ground beetles live
under leaves, old logs, and stones. They can be found in
moist woods, fields, and gardens. They are usually
searching for prey,
which includes caterpillars, grubs,
other species of beetles, fly maggots
and pupae,
aphids, weevils, earthworms, slugs, snails and other
soft-bodied creatures. Ground beetles will
sometimes climb trees, shrubs, or other plants looking for
prey. They do not fly. Predators
of ground beetles are the same as those of other beetles,
including toads, small snakes, shrews, and birds.
Bio Images UK / Malcom Storey
Common Black Ground
Beetles breed
in late Summer. The female lays eggs just below the soil
surface. Larvae
hatch and spend the Winter in the soil. In early Spring the
larvae begin feeding and then turn into pupae (resting
stage). They come out as adult
beetles in the Summer. Some adults
overwinter
as well. Jarmo Holopaihen
