The Golden Ground Beetle (Carabus auratus) is an insect in the Carabidae family of ground beetles.
The Golden Ground Beetle is iridescent gold to golden-brown and green on its head, thorax, and abdomen. It is flightless, even though it has wings. The wings are hidden under the elytra (wing casings). Its legs, antennae, and mouth parts are orange.
It grows to about 2 centimetres (one inch) in length.
It is native to central and western Europe. It prefers fields and bushes. It is diurnal, active during the day.
The Golden Ground Beetle eats insects, snails, and worms.
The female lays eggs that hatch into larvae (grubs). The grubs pupate underground and the adults emerges in autumn.
It has an average life span of about 2 years.
Location of photographs: Paris, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM