COMMON GROUND BEETLE
Pterostichus sp
GROUND BEETLES (Carabidae)
This ground beetle can grow to a little over half an inch long. It is nearly all black with some dark reddish-brown coloring on the antenna and legs. Many grooves run lengthwise down the beetle’s elytra. It was identified to genus with the help of experts at Bugguide.net. It appears to be different from the woodland ground beetle Pterostichus permundus.
This beetle was found in a trap set at Neale Woods below ground. The trap was designed to catch an American burying beetle. Instead this ground beetle was found there. Its overall occurrence at Fontenelle Nature Center is not known. Ground beetles are usually searching for prey which includes caterpillars, grubs, fly maggots, other species of beetles and other soft bodied creatures. They will sometimes climb trees, shrubs, or other plants looking for prey. They do not fly.
Pterostichus is a large genus with about 180 species mostly in the forests and mountains. There are several beetles in this genus that are referred to as common ground beetles. Some subterranean species in this genus have reduced pigment and no eyes.
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