carabid

A carabid, or ground beetle, refers to any member of the family Carabidae within the order Coleoptera. Carabidae is one of the largest beetle families, with about 40,000 described species found worldwide.

Most carabids are elongated, flattened beetles with well-developed legs adapted for running. Colors range from dull black to metallic blue or green. Many species are winged, but several are flightless.

They are primarily terrestrial and nocturnal, occurring in leaf litter, soil, under stones or logs, and in agricultural fields and forests. Some species live near water and are semi-aquatic.

Carabids are mostly predatory, feeding on other invertebrates such as caterpillars, slugs, and insect eggs. Some species consume seeds or plant matter. Both adults and larvae often help control pest populations in natural and managed ecosystems.

They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Eggs are laid in soil or litter; larvae are typically predatory; pupation occurs in the soil. Adults vary in lifespan from months to a few years depending on species.

Because their diversity and sensitivity to habitat change, carabids are widely used as bioindicators in ecological studies. They are valued in agriculture as part of integrated pest management, contributing to pest suppression and soil ecosystem health.