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Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
The Black Caterpillar Hunter is a roaming beetle that feeds on caterpillars at night and rests under rocks and debris by day.
More common in the southern U.S. states, the Black Caterpillar Beetle is a somewhat large beetle. It has ridges on its elytra (wing coverings) and small metallic, rust-colored spots that form rows down its back. It is a type of Ground Beetle and spends most of its time wandering the earth and trees for caterpillar prey and other edible insects. Large jaws help dispatch and devour the meal. Moth and butterfly caterpillars are the main diet of this beetle, and they have voracious appetites. This diet benefits the plant by removing leaf-eaters.
While constantly searching for food, they may run into their own predators. They can defend themselves in an attack by secreting a malodorous chemical. They are fast movers and can be difficult to follow. Females lay fertilized eggs in the soil. Grubs (larvae) overwinter underground, and adults are active from early spring through autumn. Lifespans vary from 2 to 3 years, which is long for a beetle. They are most active at night and will come to lights. Look for them in woodlands, coastlines, gardens, and prairies.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Carabidae
Genus:Calosoma
Species:sayi
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Calosoma sayi
Category:
Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 25mm to 28mm (0.98in to 1.09in)
Colors: black, red, orange
Descriptors: metallic, spots, lines, ruby, rust, gold, south
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Beetle Anatomy
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Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
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Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and mandibles (jaws).
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Thorax: Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
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Elytron: One of two wing cases on a Beetle that protects its wings (plural: elytra).
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Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
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Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
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Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: black, red, orange
