Forest Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma sycophanta
A large metallic ground beetle of open woodlands, orchards, and forest edges, often climbing tree trunks in search of prey. It actively hunts caterpillars, moth larvae, and other soft-bodied insects, gripping them with strong mandibles. Though usually seen running over bark or leaf litter, the adult has wings under its hard wing cases and can disperse by flight. It is valued in forests because it can consume many pest caterpillars, including hairy processionary species.
- Type
- Fang
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Forest Caterpillar Hunter