Snail Hunter
Cychrus caraboides
This record describes Cychrus caraboides (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 14 to 19 mm. This beetle has a long thin head designed for getting inside snail shells to eat the flesh. It also has a pear-shaped body and is not likely to be confused with any other species. It is mainly found in woodland and other shaded habitats living under rotten logs. It can found all year. In winter, it hibernates, often in groups, in hollows under logs and stones. Larvae occur during autumn and winter as a result of autumn breeding. Quite common and widespread over much of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Carabidae
- Genus
- Cychrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is mainly found in woodland and other shaded habitats living under rotten logs.
Seasonal Activity
It can found all year. In winter, it hibernates, often in groups, in hollows under logs and stones.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae occur during autumn and winter as a result of autumn breeding.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common and widespread over much of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cychrus caraboides. 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 Snail Hunter (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Snail Hunter
What is Snail Hunter?
Snail Hunter (Cychrus caraboides) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Snail Hunter?
14 to 19 mm. This beetle has a long thin head designed for getting inside snail shells to eat the flesh. It also has a pear-shaped body and is not likely to be confused with any other species.
Where is Snail Hunter found?
Habitat: It is mainly found in woodland and other shaded habitats living under rotten logs.
When is Snail Hunter active?
Snail Hunter: seasonal activity - It can found all year. In winter, it hibernates, often in groups, in hollows under logs and stones..
What is the life cycle of a Snail Hunter?
Larvae occur during autumn and winter as a result of autumn breeding.