Rain Beetle Hunter vs Viennese Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rain Beetle Hunter Viennese Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Calosoma cancellatum Carabus fabricii
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Carabidae Carabidae
Size 18-25 mm 22-30 mm
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America, from Canada to Mexico Eastern Alps, Carpathians
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rain Beetle Hunter

A medium to large caterpillar hunter with dark elytra marked by rows of rectangular pits giving a grid-like appearance. It is one of the most common Calosoma species across North American prairies.

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Did You Know?

It emerges in massive numbers after rain events on the Great Plains, earning the nickname rain beetle, and can be found running across roads in huge aggregations.

Viennese Ground Beetle

A large metallic ground beetle of mountain forests and alpine meadows. It is a powerful predator of earthworms and snails.

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Did You Know?

It can spray a pungent defensive fluid from glands near its abdomen.