Calathus uniseriatus facts for kids
Calathus uniseriatus is a fascinating type of ground beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles called Platyninae. You can only find this special beetle in Spain, which means it is endemic to that country. This means it naturally lives only in Spain and nowhere else in the world!
Quick facts for kids Calathus uniseriatus |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Calathus
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| Species: |
uniseriatus
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Contents
What is a Ground Beetle?
Ground beetles are a very large family of beetles. They are known scientifically as Carabidae. There are over 40,000 different kinds of ground beetles around the world! Most of them are found on the ground. They often hide under rocks, logs, or leaves.
Where Do Ground Beetles Live?
You can find ground beetles in almost every habitat. They live in forests, grasslands, deserts, and even near water. They are very important parts of their ecosystems.
What Do Ground Beetles Look Like?
Most ground beetles are dark in color. They can be black, brown, or metallic green. Many have ridged wing covers. These covers protect their delicate wings. They usually have long, strong legs. These legs help them run very fast.
How Big Are They?
Ground beetles come in many sizes. Some are tiny, less than a millimeter long. Others can be quite large, several centimeters long. Calathus uniseriatus is a medium-sized ground beetle.
The Calathus Genus
Calathus is a specific group, or genus, of ground beetles. Beetles in the Calathus genus are often found in dry, open areas. They are known for their slender bodies. Many species in this group are also found in Europe.
Who Named Calathus uniseriatus?
This particular beetle, Calathus uniseriatus, was first described in 1866. It was named by a scientist named Vuillefroy. When a scientist "describes" a species, it means they officially identify and name it. They also write down its unique features.
Why Are Beetles Important?
Beetles, including ground beetles, play many important roles. They help keep nature in balance.
What Do They Eat?
Many ground beetles are predators. This means they hunt and eat other small insects. They can help control populations of pests. Some ground beetles also eat seeds. This helps spread plants around.
Their Role in the Ecosystem
Beetles are also food for other animals. Birds, lizards, and small mammals often eat beetles. This makes them a key part of the food web. They help recycle nutrients in the soil too.
