PEST NAME : GROUND BEETLE (Carabidae spp)

SIZE, SHAPE AND COLOUR : Shiny black, dark brown depending on species.  10 to 20mm.

BIOLOGY : Eggs laid singly, larvae hatch and moult 5 to 7 times before pupating.  There is sometimes a second generation depending on the weather.

PREFERRED FOODS :  Larvae voracious predators on other invertebrates, adults have similar food preferences and eat live and dead and decaying organic material.

HABITAT : Outdoors, common indoors as casual intruders looking for shelter.