Necklace Ground Beetle
Carabus monilis
This record describes Carabus monilis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large beetle (22 to 26mm). Body entirely metallic green or coppery. The elytral sculpture is suggestive of strings of beads, and this gives rise to the common name of Necklace Ground Beetle. Good quality photograph(s) required to support your record please. Found in a variety of habitats including calcareous grassland, arable land, pasture, wetland margins and floodplains (although it seems to have avoided permanently wet situations). It has also been recorded in artificial habitats such as parks, gardens and gravel pits. They are active from April until September. Found in the southern half of Britain, as far north as Manchester and Leeds. In that area it is widespread, but often rather local or uncommon.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Carabidae
- Genus
- Carabus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats including calcareous grassland, arable land, pasture, wetland margins and floodplains (although it seems to have avoided permanently wet situations). It has also been recorded in artificial habitats such as parks, gardens and gravel pits.
Seasonal Activity
They are active from April until September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species breeds in the autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found in the southern half of Britain, as far north as Manchester and Leeds. In that area it is widespread, but often rather local or uncommon.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Carabus monilis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Necklace Ground Beetle (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Necklace Ground Beetle
What is Necklace Ground Beetle?
Necklace Ground Beetle (Carabus monilis) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Necklace Ground Beetle?
All NatureSpot records
Where is Necklace Ground Beetle found?
Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats including calcareous grassland, arable land, pasture, wetland margins and floodplains (although it seems to have avoided permanently wet situations). It has also been recorded in artificial habitats such as parks, gardens and gravel pits.
When is Necklace Ground Beetle active?
Necklace Ground Beetle: seasonal activity - They are active from April until September..
What is the life cycle of a Necklace Ground Beetle?
This species breeds in the autumn.