INSECTS

COLEOPTERA / GROUND BEETLES

Beetles are usually distinguished by having forewings modified into hard wing cases known as elytra, which cover and protect the hindwings and abdomen.

Common Shoulderblade Abax parallelepipedus is a black ground beetle (18-22mm) that has two parallel depressions on its pronotum and wrinkles above the eyes. It is common in woodland and can be found under logs during the daytime becoming active at night from April until October. They spend winter underneath logs or in the soil beneath leaf litter.

Ridged Violet Ground Beetle Carabus problematicus is common in Hainault Forest. It hides under logs during daytime and comes out at night to hunt. Up to 30mm long. 

Black Clock Beetle Pterostichus madidus  is 15-20mm long. It has a shiny, well-rounded pronotum and legs that are either black or wine-red. It is often found under logs in spring and summer. They are predatory creatures preying on caterpillars, slugs and invertebrates that live on the ground. Adults mate in the autumn and the larvae overwinter.

Ground Beetle Ophonus ardosiacus (10-14mm long) is found in open grassland on chalky and clay soils. Active from March until September with peak abundance from May until August. Adults are present throughout the year, overwintering in matted vegetation or soil. They feed on seeds of various plants, especially wild carrot. A rather variable species - the elytra vary from a bright dark blue to almost black. The legs are normally brown.