Violet Ground Beetle - Carabus violaceus
One of the largest species in the UK, measuring about 20-30mm in length. It is similar to Carabus problematicus but the elytra of Carabus violaceus are smoother with fewer dimples and ridges.
Indicator Species - Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Often found by day under logs and stones.
Most of the year, but may hibernate in the coldest periods.
Emerges to hunt slugs and other insects at night.
Common and widespread over much of Britain.
Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Graham Calow
Western Park, Leicester
14 June 2014
sue
Bagworth
15 August 2019
David Nicholls
Ulverscroft
13 March 2014
Graham Calow
Western Park, Leicester
14 June 2014
David Gould
By R. Soar, near Glen Parva, Leicester
18 September 2015
Annie Smith
Barkby Holt
23 April 2018
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Species profile
- Common names
- Violet Ground Beetle
- Species group:
- insect - beetle (Coleoptera)
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
- Order:
- Coleoptera
- Family:
- Carabidae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 31
- First record:
- 31/05/1997 (Derek Lott)
- Last record:
- 24/07/2025 (Thompson, Nicky)
Total records by month
% of records within its species group
10km squares with records
The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.
In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.
Latest images
Latest records
David Nicholls
Ulverscroft
13 March 2014
Craig Mabbett
Arnesby Road Peatling Magna
01 August 2015
Kate Nightingale
Cropston garden
21 August 2016
Craig Mabbett
Arnesby Road Peatling Magna
01 August 2015
Annie Smith
Barkby Holt
23 April 2018
