Fiery Searcher Ground Beetle

Hexapoda, Coleoptera, Carabidae, Calosoma scrutator

Description: Large bright green beetle with flattened body and long legs.

Geographic Distribution: Throughout southern New Mexico. Native.

Habitats: Associated with deciduous trees, such as riparian areas along rivers and streams. Also in urban areas where trees are dense. Entirely outdoors.

Biology: Adults occur in the summer, and wander on the ground and climb trees in search of caterpillars on which they feed. The larvae are predators of other insects in the soil.

Health/pest Status: Fiery searcher ground beetles are beneficial insects that prey on caterpillars.