Ground beetles

Code QC059999

This large and common family includes a wide range of black-and-shiny, coloured, metallic, or pubescent beetles. Carabidae have medium to long, 11-segmented antennae without a club. The head is clearly demarcated from the prothorax and the prothorax from the hind-body. The mandibles usually are prominent and visible from above. The lateral margin of the prothorax is usually quite sharp, almost shelf-like in some species, and the suture between the dorsal sclerite and pleuron can be seen below the widest part. The tarsal formula is always 5-5-5; the elytra often striated.

On the underside: The hind coxae are fixed and immobile. The metasternum has a distinct transverse suture which forms with the medial suture a cross-shaped mark. There are 6 visible abdominal sternites of which the first is divided by the hind coxae and appears as two separate lateral pieces.

Carabidae (suborder Adephaga) live in a wide range of terrestrial and semi-aquatic habitats, including many (especially from the families Scaritinae, Trechinae and Bembidiinae) that specialise in damp habitats and are found on swamps or at the edges of streams and ponds. Most species are likely to be predacious as larvae, feeding on soft bodied insects, snails and worms. Around 1200 carabid species are known from Australia, approximately a quarter of which are regarded as hydrophilous (water-loving). Carabids are found throughout Australia.

Reference:

Lawrence, J.F. and Britton, E.B. (1991) Coleoptera. pp. 543-683. In: CSIRO, Insects of Australia. Volume 2. Melbourne University Press, Carlton, Victoria.