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Submitted: May 14, 2009
Image Size: 4.9 MB
Resolution: 3939×3030

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Comments: 9
Favourites: 20 [who?]
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Camera Data

Make:Canon
Model:Canon EOS 40D
Shutter Speed:1/332 second
Aperture:F/13.0
Focal Length:105 mm
ISO Speed:250
Date Taken:Apr 26, 2009, 10:14:12 AM

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Caterpillar Hunter 40D0040024by ~Cristian-M

Photography / Animals, Plants & Nature / Invertebrates

Caterpillar Hunter (Calosoma scrutator)

Calosoma is a genus of large ground beetles that occur primarily throughout the Northern Hemisphere, and are referred to as Caterpillar Hunters or Searchers. Many of the aproximately 50 species are largely or entirely black, but some have bright metallic coloration. They produce a foul-smelling spray from glands near the tip of the abdomen.

The Caterpillar Hunter (Calosoma scrutator) is a brilliant, metallic green beetle. The wing covers have many fine longitudinal furrows that are beset with tiny punctures, and each cover has a reddish-copper border. The head, pronotum, and legs are deep metallic blue or purple, and the pronotum has a gold margin. Imprudent handlers could receive an unwelcome nip from the hefty mandibles. However, Calosoma scrutator is a highly beneficial species that climbs trees in search of caterpillar prey. Although the beetles are active from May to November, they seem to be especially numerous in May after trees are fully leaved out and while the spring flush of caterpillars is ravaging the foliage. Adults winter over, and they live up to 3 years. Eggs are placed one at a time in soil. Larvae also hunt caterpillars and climb trees and shrubs in search of prey. They pupate in earthen cells.

More info: [link]

Featured by the talented Luca

in her journal "The hunter and the prey": [link] .

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~ogiedomane Aug 23, 2009

featured [link]

~Cristian-M Aug 24, 2009

Thanks! I mentioned your journal in the image's description.

~ogiedomane Aug 28, 2009

you're very welcome and thank you

*Tazzy- May 27, 2009 Professional Photographer

These are such colorful beetles! We used to go camping for 2 weeks each summer at a place called Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky. I would find these at night running around on the ground by the street lights at night.