Carabid Ground beetles

Why in news?

Recent studies have identified carabid ground beetles as potential bioindicators for tracking soil microplastics.

• Carabid ground beetles are insect species belongs to the insect order Coleoptera.
• Family – Carabidae, one of the largest insect families, with approximately 40,000 species worldwide.
• Habitats – Carabids live in a diverse range of terrestrial environments - from forests and grasslands to agricultural fields and urban areas.
• They are often found under logs, rocks, leaf litter, and in soil cracks, especially in moist locations.
• Appearance – They are recognized by their long legs and shiny black or brown elytra (wing covers), which are decorated with ridges and may be fused together along the midline.
• Size – Adult beetles can range greatly in size, from as small as 2 mm to over 35 mm long.
• Adaptations – They are known for their long, powerful legs, which allow them to run rapidly after prey.
• Some species are flightless due to fused elytra.
• Defense mechanism – When threatened, many species emit a pungent, chemical-based odor from abdominal glands to deter predators.
• Feeding habits – These nocturnal hunters have broad feeding habits, eating not only other insects but also seeds of plants (including weeds).
• Diet – Their diet includes common garden and crop pests such as snails, slugs, caterpillars, aphids, mites, and fly maggots.
• Unfortunately, their diet has also begun to include microplastics.
• Ecological importance – They play a vital part of many ecosystems, and a key role in biological pest control, improving soil health, and acting as bioindicators for environmental health.

Quick Fact

References

1. The Hindu | Carabid beetles as potential bioindicators
2. Britannica | Ground Beetles
3. eOrganic | Ground Beetles