Characteristics

The ground beetle Calosoma inquisitor (Herbst, 1784) is a shiny, metallic beetle with a body length of about 12 to 20 mm. Its shell can be green, blue, or bronze, with deep longitudinal grooves on its elytra (wing covers). It has strong legs and mandibles that help it catch prey.

Distribution

Calosoma inquisitor is widespread across much of Europe and parts of Asia. It is particularly common in temperate climates and is mostly found in forests.

Habitat

The beetle prefers deciduous and mixed forests, especially those with a high oak content, as it feeds on pests like caterpillars and other insects. It is active on the ground but can also fly to seek out new habitats.