Calosoma Sycophanta - the forest caterpillar hunter

Nature - Wild Life - Insect life - bug life - Calosoma Sycophanta is a species of ground beetle belonging to the family Carabidae. Can reach a length of about 21-35 millimeters. The colors have iridescent shades that change (green, blue, bronze, copper, gold black) according to the direction and quality of light. This ground beetle is a voracious consumer of caterpillars (especially Lymantria dispar, Thaumetopoea processionea, Thaumetopoea pityocampa and Euproctis chrysorrhoea) during both its larval stage and as an adult. This species is native to Europe. It is present in most European countries, in the eastern Palearctic realm, in the Nearctic realm, in the Near East, and in North Africa. In 1905 it was imported to New England for control of the Lymantria Dispar caterpillar. Adults are predominantly found under rocks, logs, leaves, bark, decomposing wood and other debris on the ground. They are also found in freshly harvested grain, as well as in homes if food becomes scarce or outside moisture conditions are unfavorable.
The beetle goes through egg, larval, and pupal stages of development before reaching adulthood. The eggs of Calosoma Sycophanta are laid in the soil. After the eggs hatch, the larva mature within two to three weeks, during which they feed underground and then pupate and metamorphosis. After emerging as an adult, the beetle remains in the pupal cell, where it hibernates until the following spring; older adults also enter the soil to hibernate.
Calosoma Sycophanta females lay eggs in the spring. After eggs are laid by the female, there is no further parental investment. These beetles have a lifespan of two to four years.
Calosoma Sycophanta are one of the only known ground beetles to regularly climb plants to catch prey.. Larvae also climb trees in search of prey, requiring more food than do adults. An individual larva feeds day and night, consuming 50 caterpillars during its two-week developmental period. A single adult will eat several hundred caterpillars during its lifetime.
Adult Calosoma Sycophanta are nocturnal, and hide under logs, rocks, or in soil crevices during the day. Like many insects they will scamper rapidly when disturbed. Although they are able to fly, they rarely do. Calosoma Sycophanta are also incredibly attracted to light and are known to fly towards light at night. One of the beetles has 5 legs, the one that climbs the tree, probably lost it in a battle with a bird.

[@Morales-nt6vi]

I absoutely love these beetles. The only proof I've had of its presence was a discarded elytra wing cover. This was back in July 1981 in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx. I was eleven years old LOL!! I also remember there was a Gypsy caterpillar outbreak up in the park. I've Kept Calosoma scrutator in the past and they are quite long lived and hardy. Carabidae aka the ground beetles are a fascinating bunch. Very attractive beetles. Did you find those in the U.S or Europe?

[@RigelAntares]

Hello! Thank you very much for your comment! 4 I found, in Europe, they are all present in the video. Yes, they feed on caterpillars, especially Gipsy. I found only one such caterpillar, they are very cute. This seems to be the only ground beetle that climbs trees to find caterpillars and eats them there, in the tree. This year I didn't find these ground beetles and Gipsy caterpillars, instead I found other interesting insects that I haven't encountered in previous years.

[@Morales-nt6vi]

@@RigelAntares Thank you for the quick reply. Calosoma scrutator in North America also climbs trees and an excellent flyer. These beetles and their larvae will also feed on moth pupae under leftest liter. I've kept Calosoma scrutator on wax worms injured or dead crickets and some fruit. I currently trying to establish a Chlaenius beetle colony.Another group of very attractive beetles. Thank you for your cool videos. PS I will continue my search for Calosoma sycophanta.👍

[@RigelAntares]

@@Morales-nt6vi Hello! Super interesting. I read now about those beetles Chlaenius beetle, C. Circumscriptus, feed on amphibians. So you grow a colony? Super interesting. They can be used in agriculture to remove pests. I found those ground beetles in the morning, between 8 and 12. I don't know many details about them, I was lucky to meet them and film them. I understood that many insects are sold as pets, such as Armadillidium vulgare. Thank you for your comment and appreciation, I wish you the best of luck in finding these ground beetles.