Ground Beetle - Worldwide Wildlife and Environment Forums

black · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2008, 07:59 AM

I photographed this at the weekend in the Anglican Cathedral Gardens in Liverpool, hiding under stones along with a few others. Can Paul or anyone else confirm which species this is? I think its probably just a common Ground Beetle Nebria brevicollis.
Thanks

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paul m · #2 (**permalink**) 13-05-2008, 09:42 PM

Yes, it's a Nebria but you need to check out the hairs on the hind tarsi or certain other fine features to differentiate N. brevicollis from N. salina; but the latter is most unlikely in an urban environment, especially away from water. So you're right, UK's most abundant ground beetle!

black · #3 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 02:56 PM

Many thanks Paul, I've had a couple of failed attempts trying to photograph them, they move so quickly when I turn over the stones. This was the first one that stayed still for a second.

paul m · #4 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by black

Many thanks Paul, I've had a couple of failed attempts trying to photograph them, they move so quickly when I turn over the stones. This was the first one that stayed still for a second.

You don't need to tell me - I've wasted a lot of time over the years chasing ground beetles. The big problem is that most of them are nocturnal or live underground so get them in photographically reasonable light and they immediately shoot off looking for the dark! So getting a good picture is something of an achievement - well done!