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.
17 май 2024