The Violet Ground Beetle

A violet ground beetle.
A fast runner with strong night vision. Not good news if you’re a slug.
At this time of year as you’re weeding your borders, you may be lucky enough to spot a violet ground beetle. They’re fast runners but at up to 35mm long they are also one of Britain’s largest insects so they are hard to miss.

Good News for Gardeners

If you’re a gardener then the good news is that the violet ground beetle likes to eat slugs, snails, and grubs such as leatherjackets. They also eat any other prey they can find that is around their own size including worms (not such good news for the gardener) and may also be found feeding on carrion.

During the day they rest in cover emerging at night when their impressive low light vision combined with their fast running speed allows them to catch their prey.

Lifecycle

Violet ground beetle larvae live underground for 10 months and are also carnivorous. In February they emerge as flightless adults and live for just 9 months.

A violet ground beetle close up.
A violet ground beetle disturbed during daylight hours.

As striking as they are if you do see one don’t be tempted to pick it up as they are able to deliver a surprisingly powerful bite for their size. You have been warned.

Related posts:

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  2. Why Do Wasps on Fallen Apples Look Drunk?
  3. The Bee Fly (Bombylius major) – Looks Dangerous…Actually Harmless (to humans)
  4. The harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis)

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