Common Black Ground Beetle vs Big-eyed Ground Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Black Ground Beetle | Big-eyed Ground Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterostichus melanarius | Notiophilus biguttatus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Introduced to North America | Europe, northern Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Black Ground Beetle
One of the most abundant ground beetles in European farmland and gardens. It is a generalist predator active mainly at night.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most commonly caught beetles in pitfall traps across Europe.
Big-eyed Ground Beetle
A small, fast-running ground beetle with enormously enlarged eyes relative to its body size. It has a bronze sheen and is a visual hunter that chases springtails across the ground.
Did You Know?
Its eyes are so large relative to its head that they are considered one of the most extreme examples of visual adaptation among ground beetles, rivaling tiger beetles.