Section B
This Group of ground beetles (Carabidae) beetles have a narrow, squared off (truncate) wing cases (elytra) with the last abdominal segment seen from above
All simple tarsi, pale red antennae, and pronotum wider than long (transverse) >5mm.
4 British species, 2 which are commonly found in moth traps although typically found in trees.
If in any doubt consult this excellent guide by John Walters.
Dromius agilis
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ID Features
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Red Pronotum
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Pale legs and antennae, fine striae with 3rd elytral interval bearing 5 shallow, hair-bearing punctures
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5.5-6.8mm
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May – September
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D. angustus and D. meridionalis look superficially similar but both only possess one puncture on the 3rd elytral interval
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Widespread in the UK
Dromius qudrimaculatus
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ID Features
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Reddish brown pronotum
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Pale legs and antennae
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4 pale, well defined spots on wingcases (Elytra)
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Much larger than similarly patterned beetles
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5-6mm
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May - September
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Widespread in UK
Dromius sp.
Brachinus crepitains
A fairly large beetle with dark metallic green elytra contrasting sharply with bright orange head, pronotum, and appendages. Until recently most populations were believed to be coastal but has been found inland.
One of the Bombardier beetles it will release a caustic, unsavourable gas when disturbed, so do be cautious. This can be seen as pufts of gas releases from its rear.
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These seem to have done very well in 2020 and was found across the south late summer where night temperatures reached a minimum of 20 C
ID Features
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Metallic green elytra
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Red head, pronotum and appendages
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6-9.5 mm
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May - August
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Notable record, especially when found inland
Polystichus connexus
A rarely seen beetle that has been found in traps across the south in one particularly hot night in July 2019, suggesting they disperse widely on hot evenings.
Fond throughout the country 10-19 August 2020, minimum flight temperature seems to be around 20 C
Believed to historically be a mainly coastal species
ID Features
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First antennal segment larger than the next 2 segments combined
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Dorsal surface with fine layer of pubescence .
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Head and pronotum reddish brown.
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Dark brown/black with 2 elongate ‘spots’ covering most of elytra.
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Pale legs and antennae
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Dorsally flattened
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May – August
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Notable record, especially when found inland