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Black Clock Beetle

Black Clock Beetle

Pterostichus madidus

A species of Pterostichus, Also known as Strawberry ground beetle, Strawberry beetle

Pterostichus madidus, commonly known as the black clock beetle, is a species of ground beetle native to Europe. The black clock beetle typically grows between 14–20mm in length, and is black in colouration, with legs that are usually red, reddish brown, or black. It can be found most abundantly in summer, and breeds during the autumn. It is commonly found in gardens, grasslands, and dry woodland, under stones, in grass, or in loose bark.

General Info About Black Clock Beetle
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Attributes of Black Clock Beetle
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
Lowland pasture; traditional hay meadow; dwarf shrub heath; drier hill land; conifer plantation; garden; grassland; dry woodland; stone; loose bark
Adult Food Sources
Larvae, worms, slugs, snails, soft-bodied insects
Larva Food Source
Small invertebrates, insect larvae, soft-bodied arthropods, eggs of insects, springtails
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Black Clock Beetle
Common and widespread
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Distribution Area of Black Clock Beetle
Europe
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Life Cycle of Black Clock Beetle
Egg The black Clock Beetle begins life as an egg, which is often laid in a protected environment. At this stage, the black Clock Beetle is stationary, encased in a protective shell, and does not require food as it survives off the yolk within.
Larva Upon hatching, the black Clock Beetle enters the larval stage, characterized by a worm-like appearance. This stage primarily focuses on eating and growth, with the black Clock Beetle often molting several times as it outgrows its exoskeleton.
Pupal After reaching a certain size, black Clock Beetle enters the pupal stage within a cocoon or chrysalis. During this time, it undergoes a remarkable transformation, rearranging its body into the adult form in a process called histolysis and histogenesis.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult black Clock Beetle's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Black Clock Beetle Larvae
Birds, small mammals, reptiles, spiders, predacious insects
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Predators of Adult Black Clock Beetle
Birds, small mammals, reptiles, larger predators within the carabidae family
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Interesting Facts About Black Clock Beetle
Adult black Clock Beetle can produce small amounts of antifreeze proteins, allowing them to survive in cold temperatures.
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Scientific Classification of Black Clock Beetle
Tips for Finding Black Clock Beetle
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Youth Habitat of Black Clock Beetle
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Black Clock Beetle
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Black Clock Beetle
Given the diet of many Carabidae, a suitable trap might contain proteins or carbohydrates commonly found in the types of prey that black Clock Beetle consumes, such as smaller insects or caterpillars.
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Habitat Preferences of Black Clock Beetle Through Different Life Stages
To observe black Clock Beetle larvae, explore under stones or logs in moist soil of forests, meadows, and gardens, where larvae prey on smaller invertebrates. Searching for adult black Clock Beetle requires checking the same habitats at night, as adults are nocturnal and surface to hunt. Additionally, adults may be found under debris or in leaf litter during daytime hours when they seek shelter from predators and extreme temperatures.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Black Clock Beetle
The most suitable time to find black Clock Beetle is usually at night or during twilight hours when these beetles are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Black Clock Beetle
The suitable weather for finding black Clock Beetle would likely be mild and humid conditions, after a rain for instance, when the soil is moist and these creatures are more active on the surface.
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How and Where Can You Find Black Clock Beetle at Different Life Stages
Larva Black Clock Beetle in the larval stage is likely to be found in soil or under leaf litter, as they are soil dwellers who hunt small invertebrates. Look for them by carefully sifting through the top layer of soil or examining under logs and stones.
Pupal Black Clock Beetle in the pupal stage will be inactive and hidden. They could be located by careful investigation of the soil in the areas where larvae were found, especially in protected underground cavities.
Adult Black Clock Beetle adults can be found on the ground, often hiding by day under debris, in leaf litter, or within the soil. At night, they may be more active on the soil surface, so searching with a flashlight can be effective. Gentle sweeping of vegetation with a net or setting out pitfall traps can also capture these beetiles.
Are Black Clock Beetle harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Black Clock Beetle
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Slugs, Aphids, Caterpillars
The black Clock Beetle has evolved to prey on pests as a natural form of controlling pest populations in their habitat. Both adult and larva stages exhibit predatory behavior, primarily to feed themselves and their offspring. They exhibit a preference for slugs, aphids, and caterpillars. Using their strong mandibles, they can effectively subdue and consume various pests, playing a critical role in maintaining ecological balance.
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