Please contact us about any sensitive records before posting on the blog
Friday, 22 August 2014
Beetle id please
Can anyone help with an id for this beetle please, found on the Pennine Way footpath near where it intersects with the Calderdale Way above Makinholes.
It isn't in my books and I can't find it on the web either.
My first thought was Violet ground beetle but I don't understand those cut indentations on the back. I have had a quick look at beetle uk websites but you need a lot of patience if you don't know where to start. There are hundreds and hundreds of beetles to look at!
I think I've solved it. It is a violet ground beetle but the marks that confused me are actually the body under the damaged wing case, where half of the left hand case has split off. The body underneath is very rippled.
I agree with Philip; it has half a wing-case missing. Could also be Carabus nemoralis. Chinery - Complete British Insects - this doesn't get as big as Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceous) and is equally well distributed over the UK. Beetles have more species than any other group of organisms, and a huge number of species in this country. Many are only identifiable under the microscope after dissection.
Looks like a Violet ground beetle?
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was Violet ground beetle but I don't understand those cut indentations on the back. I have had a quick look at beetle uk websites but you need a lot of patience if you don't know where to start. There are hundreds and hundreds of beetles to look at!
ReplyDeleteAgree it's not Violet Ground Beetle as colour and indentations on the back don't match. I reckon it is a ground beetle but which kind I don't know!
ReplyDeleteI think I've solved it. It is a violet ground beetle but the marks that confused me are actually the body under the damaged wing case, where half of the left hand case has split off. The body underneath is very rippled.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Philip; it has half a wing-case missing. Could also be Carabus nemoralis. Chinery - Complete British Insects - this doesn't get as big as Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceous) and is equally well distributed over the UK. Beetles have more species than any other group of organisms, and a huge number of species in this country. Many are only identifiable under the microscope after dissection.
ReplyDeleteWell spotted Philip, once you look at it from that perspective it makes sense. Thanks all.
ReplyDelete