Carabus nemoralis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Carabus nemoralis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Adephaga |
| Family: | Carabidae |
| Genus: | Carabus |
| Species: | C. nemoralis |
| Binomial name | |
| Carabus nemoralis O. F. Müller, 1764 | |
| Synonyms | |
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Carabus nemoralis (commonly called the "Bronze carabid") is a ground beetle common in central and northern Europe, as well as Iceland and Canada. While native to Europe, it has been introduced to and is expanding its range throughout North America.[1] It is 20-25mm long and found in many habitats in Great Britain.[2]
Feeding habits
Carabus nemoralis is a beneficial predator as it eats the agricultural pest Deroceras reticulatum slug in its young stage and also its eggs. Use of Carabus nemoralis as a biocontrol agent for multiple pests in large scale farming operations have been tested in recent years.[3] Larvae are voracious hunters, resembling rove beetles. They can be found preying on annelids and slugs during early summer months.
Defensive adaptations
It is known that some Carabus nemoralis populations will regurgitate foul-smelling brownish-red liquid as a defense mechanism against predators. Specimens can also fire fecal matter at high speed to a considerable distance, if picked up or otherwise threatened.
