Forest ground beetle

Carabus hortensis 

Description:
This ground beetle is relatively large, its oval body measuring around 2 centimetres in length. It is black and shiny, with metallic violet, ridged elytra edged with deep gold or green. The beetle migrates over long distances and forages on the ground. It is unable to fly but its legs are long and strong. The front legs end in spongy pads. It has long antennae and medium-sized eyes.

Habitat:
A typical forest species, this ground beetle lives throughout Europe in deciduous and mixed forests on humus-rich soil.

Habits:
Mostly active at night, ground beetles are carnivorous, feeding on invertebrates and other slow-moving prey.