Jun 11, 2014
This is a caterpillar hunter (genus Carabus) from Zhejiang Province, China. These guys are out in abundance in late spring. The plum rains bring out the snails and slugs, which in turn brings out the hungry beetles. This guy is about two-inches long with well-developed mandibles. In addition to snails and slugs, I believe these beetles hunt millipedes, caterpillars and other insects. They are best picked up with their rear-ends facing away from you as they are equipped with a stinky defensive spray.