Common Name: Purple-Rimmed Carabus Latin Name:
Carabus nemoralis Müller, 1764
(R. Bercha, det.)
Length: 21 - 26 mm
Range: Alberta
Habitat:
Parks and gardens, also cultivated ground
Time of year seen: March
to October
(Additional Sightings)
Diet: Insects, slugs and worms
Other: The Purple-Rimmed Carabus was originally
imported to North America from Europe. Since that time it has become
common place in cities across Canada and the United States. It is not
found in natural places - only within cities. It is named for the
iridescent purple rim found around the edges of its pronotum and the outside
edges of its elytra (wing covers). Although purple is the normal
color, there is some variation within the species, and the odd blue rimmed
beetle occurs (see inset on page 3) . The beetles typically
come out at night and hunt slugs, worms and other insects. It releases
a defensive odor reminiscent of rotten fruit when handled. (Acorn,
2000) |