golden ground beetle, friend of gardeners by GiMi53

Photography • Insects • posted on Jun 29, 2011

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Description

The golden ground beetle, Carabus auratus, is a member of the family Carabidae, or ground beetles, native to central and western parts of Europe. The flightless beetle reaches a body length of between 1.7 and 2 cm. The elytra, each marked with three broad longitudinal grooves, are an iridescent gold-green colour, as are the head and thorax. The legs, antennae and mouth parts are orange. Carabus auratus is to be found in fields and amongst bushes, particularly on loamy soil. On occasion it will climb into trees. Active during the day, it preys upon insects, snails and worms, which it seizes with its mandibles and sprays with a digestive secretion before consuming it. Carabus auratus can be welcome to farmers and gardeners, as it will feed upon pests (slugs).

Le carabe doré (Carabus auratus), surnommé Jardinière, est un coléoptère membre de la famille des Carabidae et qui se rencontre dans les régions centrale et occidentale de l'Europe. Actif au cours de la journée, c'est un ami du jardinier car il consomme les parasites tels que limaces et escargots. I’m very happy to have again one of my images selected for “Last Week in the Gallery” (LWitG #26) :