Dark Blue Ground Beetle
Carabus intricatus
A tireless runner
As the name suggests, ground beetles move by crawling along the ground. They are predatory beetles that also feed on carrion. They are very active and move quite quickly for their size. They can reach a speed of 0.5 km/h.
Did you know?
The wing covers of this ground beetle have fused together—it lost its ability to fly during its development.
| Order | Beetle |
| Family | ground beetle |
| Distribution | Europe |
| Habitat | heat-loving forests rich in dead wood, from lowlands to low mountain ranges |
| Food | Insects and their larvae, carrion, tree sap, windfall, and mushrooms |
| Activity |   |
| Weight | 0.5–1 g |
| Size | 2.5–3.5 cm |
| Service life | 1 to 4 years |
| Reproduction | Eggs are laid in the soil. The larvae hatch after 3 weeks. They molt twice. After several weeks as pupae, the beetles emerge. |
| Risk |  |
| Enemies | Birds |
Herberstein Wildlife Park
Steirischer Landestiergarten GmbH
A 8223 Stubenberg am See
Buchberg 50
Phone: +43 3176 80777
Fax: +43 3176 80777 20
Email: info (at) tierwelt-herberstein. at
