Integrated Pest Management Guide

GROUND BEETLES - CARABIDS (COLEOPTERA: CARABIDAE)

The most commonly occurring ground beetle species in British Columbia cranberry beds are the common black ground beetle (Pterostichus spp .) and the European ground beetle (Carabus nemoralis Müller). The beetles range in size from 3 - 36 mm (1/8 - 1.5 inches) and are often dark and shiny or brightly coloured and iridescent with striated or grooved wing covers. Their bodies are somewhat flattened and the head has well-developed mouthparts.

Ground beetles are mostly nocturnal hunters. They are predaceous as both adults and larvae. Ground beetles feed mostly on soft-bodied insects like caterpillars and weevil larvae. Some also feed on weevil adults and snails. Depending on the species, the female lays her eggs singly or in batches into soil or other dark and moist places. After hatching, the larvae move about in search of prey. It takes 1 - 2 years before the larvae develop into adults that can live up to 2 years. Larvae are cannibalistic and eat each other as well as pests. Ground beetles are very susceptible to insecticides.
 
 

Pterostichus sp. ground beetle

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