Turnip (turnip white): how to get rid of the pest on the site?

The turnip white or turnip (Pieris rapae) is a common insect that causes great nuisance to gardeners, especially in America. Often this butterfly is not seen as a threat, allowing it to reproduce freely. But when the reptile population increases, the fight against it becomes noticeably more difficult, and the damage caused suddenly becomes serious and noticeable.

Turnip white (turnip): butterfly, appearance

Repnitsa: appearance and features

This pest is often confused with other members of its family, since they all have similar body structure and coloring. The butterfly also has a high prevalence, which is justified by its unpretentiousness to living conditions.

External characteristics

The body length of adult individuals is 2-2.6 cm. The length of the front wing is 2.2-3 cm. The wingspan is 4-5 cm. It has a developed proboscis and short club-shaped antennae. The wings are wide, with dark pollination at the base. Their color is predominantly white, but the shade may vary slightly depending on the age of the individual and living conditions. The front wings have a black or dark gray border. The body most often has a gray, less often black or slightly brownish tint.

Sexual dimorphism is manifested in the size and number of dark spots on the wings. Females are larger and have two dark gray or black spots, often with ragged edges. Males have a smaller spot with clear boundaries.

How does turnip differ from cabbage and rutabaga?

Repnitsa has similar external characteristics to other members of the family. It is often confused with cabbage and rutabaga. The first has a list of differences:

• more saturated color;
• a large area of ​​black border on the front wings.
• slightly larger than the turnip white (approximately 0.3 cm);

Rutabaga often has a black pattern running along the vein line of the wings. It is also distinguished by a green coating, which can be seen on the underside of the hind wings.

Life cycle.

Beetles belong to a group of insects called Endopterygota. Like its other representatives, their wings at the larval stage are laid inside the body and at this time are not visible from the outside. The life cycle of most beetles is as follows: egg - larva, which molts several times as it grows, - pupa - adult insect (imago). Larvae and adults differ greatly in structure and sometimes in lifestyle. Moreover, in some families, the larvae noticeably change shape with each moult and, depending on their age, look completely different.

Beetle eggs are usually white. The smallest of them are almost invisible, while the largest ones reach a length of 3 mm. Many species deposit them in wood or under the bark of trees, some on plant leaves, and several groups deposit them in the carcasses of large animals in various stages of decomposition.

Most larvae have a well-developed head and three pairs of thoracic legs. Often at the end of the abdomen they have another pair of appendages similar to legs - pseudopods. However, the larvae that live inside plants can be legless and worm-like. The larval stage ends with transformation into a resting pupa.

Pupation of many Coleoptera occurs inside chambers (“cradles”) in the soil or in wood. The larvae of some weevils pupate in cocoons, which are spun from the adhesive secretion of special glands that hardens in the air, secreted through the anus. During the pupal stage, a complex set of changes occurs that result in the formation of extremely diverse adult beetles (adults). These transformations include the development of imaginal walking legs, wings, antennae and mouthparts. When an adult beetle emerges from the pupa, its wings and elytra straighten, turning inside out, under the pressure of the hemolymph pushed into them. Then the hemolymph is pumped out of them, and the upper and lower layers of the wing stick together, forming a thin plate.

Adult beetles usually live longer than adults of most other insects. Their larvae can also develop very slowly. For example, the larval stage of some click beetles, in which they are called wireworms, lasts at least 12 years before pupation. The larvae of one Indian longhorned beetle lived for 10 years in captivity, although the adult beetles of this species are short-lived. In the laboratory, the adults of one large darkling beetle did not die for 9 years, but species are known whose adult stage lasts only a few days.

Habitat of the turnip white

The original habitat is Europe. But now the pest is extremely common in many countries of the world. The reason for this expansion of the habitat was trade. At the moment, the species is most often found in the following places:

• Western Europe;
• North America;
• Central Asia (except the extreme south);
• North Africa;
• Australia;
• Caucasus and Transcaucasia;
• Kazakhstan;
• Ukraine;
• Belarus;
• Moldova.

In Russia, the reptile lives all the way to the Far East, the south of Western and Eastern Siberia. The pest is resistant to weather changes and tolerates wintering well. The insect is believed to cause the most significant damage in North America. In Europe, despite favorable conditions, the turnip whiteweed destroys noticeably fewer plants.

The benefits and harms of ground beetles for humans

Ground beetles can be divided into two groups: harmful and beneficial. One of the dangerous species is the ground beetle. It belongs to the so-called category of poisonous beetles.

But poisonous not in the literal sense of the word. Its poison is a caustic chemical compound that is not capable of killing a person, but can cause allergic reactions in the form of rashes and swelling. A burn from such poison can last on the skin for about three days.

The ground beetle can cause serious damage to plants and damage household utensils and furniture. Thanks to its powerful jaws, the beetle can grind very hard material. The beetle causes serious damage to cereal plants, spoils indoor flowers by gnawing on roots, and easily reaches vegetable and berry crops.

This ground beetle is a nocturnal resident, so under the cover of darkness, while the owner is sleeping, it can climb onto bags of cereal, making holes in them. They easily allow themselves to climb onto the table in search of crumbs of food, without fear, they can crawl onto a person.

If such a beetle is found in the house - and you can recognize it by its characteristic dark purple color - you should immediately take action. To destroy the pest, modern chemicals are used, which can be purchased at any disinfection store. If you do not start fighting the beetle in time, its number can grow significantly, and then it will be much more difficult to get rid of uninvited residents.

But there are also positive aspects. Some types of beetles stand guard over the garden. These are the beauties, the Crimean ground beetle and the “tiger”. The favorite food of the Crimean ground beetle is the grape snail. This pest causes irreparable harm to grape crops and berries, spoils already ripe fruits, undermines the roots, which cannot recover and the plant dies.

Summer residents and gardeners are happy to see Krasotelov on their plots. It is thanks to the predatory skills of this beetle that the garden plots and crops are in perfect order. The beetle destroys all kinds of harmful pupae and insect larvae. Interestingly, ground beetle larvae are also hunters.

Due to their small size, they are not capable of destroying large insects, but they cope with small ones with a bang. Another interesting specimen is the tiger ground beetle. It is named so because the structure of its jaws resembles a tiger’s mouth with sharp, huge fangs.

With them he tears apart his prey. Insects that fall into the jaws of this beetle are doomed to death. The beetle lives in grass and between clods of earth. It is in constant search of food, so once you see it on your site, you can be calm about the safety of the harvest.

Repnitsa: lifestyle

From 2 to 3 generations develop per year. In the northern regions, only 1 generation can develop, which can be seen from the end of June to the end of July. In the most comfortable conditions, the number of generations can reach 5. In this case, butterflies can be seen from April to October. The last generation is always incomplete. Different generations may have minor external differences.

Reproduction and life cycle

The insect quickly finds a partner and mates with him. The initiator can be either a male or a female. After fertilization, the female searches for the most suitable place to lay eggs. The average fecundity is 150 eggs, but it has been observed that the number can reach 500.

Eggs are laid singly. The female glues them to the leaves of plants, most often on the underside. Egg development takes 5-11 days and is highly dependent on temperature and humidity. Although the eggs are laid separately, they can be found in close proximity to each other. Thus, there can be a huge number of eggs on one leaf.

The eggs are pear-shaped with pronounced ribs. The color is always yellow. Color saturation changes over time. As the larva develops, the egg becomes more transparent and may slightly change shape.

Newborn larvae are evenly distributed over the leaves of the infected plant. Activity occurs mainly at night. The caterpillars are located on the top of the leaf. The insect at this stage is quite slow. Therefore, it relies on its color to help it blend into its surroundings. If the larva has been spotted, it raises the front of its body, exposing its underside to its attacker. There is a bright pattern typical of poisonous animals. In extreme cases, the caterpillar may squirt a repellent-type caustic liquid. Development takes from 20 to 30 days. There are 5 instars of the larval stage.

What does the turnip white caterpillar (larva) look like?

Turnip white (turnip): caterpillar
The body length of the larva varies between 3-4 cm, which depends on the number of molts. At the larval stage, the insect has 3 pairs of thoracic and 5 pairs of abdominal limbs. The turnip larva has the following distinctive features:

• main color – bright green;
• on the back there is an inconspicuous longitudinal yellow stripe, which may be interrupted and have uneven edges;
• there are short bright yellow stripes on both sides;
• the whole body is covered with long light hairs.

The segmentation of the larva is not very pronounced. Small black dots can be seen all over the body.

The pupa is attached to plant stems, bark or wood, less often on other solid objects. At this stage, some generations of reptiles overwinter. The development of a non-overwintering pupa takes 8-15 days.

The pupa is yellow-green in color. There may be a gray tint, black dots and longitudinal yellow stripes. There are large lateral and dorsal spines. The brightness of the color directly depends on the material to which the pupa is attached.

Diet

The basis of nutrition for the larvae are plants belonging to the cruciferous (cabbage) family. It should be taken into account that newborn larvae hide on the underside of the leaves. Most often, caterpillars damage young leaves: first they skeletonize them, and then gnaw through holes and gnaw off the edges.

The pest's favorite food is cabbage and cauliflower. The insect also poses a threat to the following plants:

• rapeseed;
• mustard;
• turnip;
• mignonette;
• radish;
• radishes;
• rutabaga;
• turnips;
• horseradish;
• core;
• rapeseed;
• bugs;
• shepherd's purse;
• watercress.

It is important to know that caterpillars can damage not only leaves, but also other parts of the plant. An insect, in the absence of other food, can feed on plants that do not belong to the cruciferous family, but are included in the order Brassicaceae. For example, the larvae's diet includes mignonette and capers.

Reproduction

There is pronounced sexual dimorphism and bisexual reproduction. The reproductive organs are located in the abdominal cavity. The female is much larger than the male. The reproductive organs of male reptiles consist of paired testes in tubes. This is where education happens.

sperm carrying the male component of genetic material to form future offspring. The sperm enters the genital opening, the location of which is the chitinized copulatory organ. At the moment of copulation, the fusion of gametes occurs.

The formation of eggs occurs in the oviducts of females, which are shaped like a rosary. As the eggs pass through the oviduct, they are enveloped in a special substance that is sticky. It is this property that allows eggs to attach to any surface. A female reptile can lay up to 500 eggs. Single laying is done on cruciferous plants.

Climatic conditions affect the number of generations. Under favorable conditions, their number can reach 5 in one season.

Why are turnip white caterpillars dangerous? Why is the reptile considered a pest of agricultural crops?

Turnip white caterpillars not only damage plants, but also contaminate food with their excrement, causing the process of rotting. The insect at this stage of development gnaws off the edges of the leaves and skeletonizes them. Caterpillars often get inside the cabbage head and contaminate it with excrement, which leads to rotting, which is why the cabbage heads cannot be stored for long and quickly become unsuitable for food.

Thus, reptiles impede the growth and development of plants, weaken them, promoting the appearance of diseases and fungi. The pest has an extremely negative effect on the reproduction of cruciferous plants, both wild and cultivated.

The larvae, despite the presence of a caustic liquid, do not pose a threat to humans and animals. Their jaws are too weak to bite through the skin of mammals. In addition, they are not poisonous. But it should be noted that their excrement and protective fluid can cause an allergic reaction.

The benefits and harms of ground beetles for humans

Ground beetles can be divided into two groups: harmful and beneficial. One of the dangerous species is the ground beetle. It belongs to the so-called category of poisonous beetles.

But poisonous not in the literal sense of the word. Its poison is a caustic chemical compound that is not capable of killing a person, but can cause allergic reactions in the form of rashes and swelling. A burn from such poison can last on the skin for about three days.

The ground beetle can cause serious damage to plants and damage household utensils and furniture. Thanks to its powerful jaws, the beetle can grind very hard material. The beetle causes serious damage to cereal plants, spoils indoor flowers by gnawing on roots, and easily reaches vegetable and berry crops.

This ground beetle is a nocturnal resident, so under the cover of darkness, while the owner is sleeping, it can climb onto bags of cereal, making holes in them. They easily allow themselves to climb onto the table in search of crumbs of food, without fear, they can crawl onto a person.

If such a beetle is found in the house - and you can recognize it by its characteristic dark purple color - you should immediately take action. To destroy the pest, modern chemicals are used, which can be purchased at any disinfection store. If you do not start fighting the beetle in time, its number can grow significantly, and then it will be much more difficult to get rid of uninvited residents.

But there are also positive aspects. Some types of beetles stand guard over the garden. These are the beauties, the Crimean ground beetle and the “tiger”. The favorite food of the Crimean ground beetle is the grape snail. This pest causes irreparable harm to grape crops and berries, spoils already ripe fruits, undermines the roots, which cannot recover and the plant dies.

Summer residents and gardeners are happy to see Krasotelov on their plots. It is thanks to the predatory skills of this beetle that the garden plots and crops are in perfect order. The beetle destroys all kinds of harmful pupae and insect larvae. Interestingly, ground beetle larvae are also hunters.

Due to their small size, they are not capable of destroying large insects, but they cope with small ones with a bang. Another interesting specimen is the tiger ground beetle. It is named so because the structure of its jaws resembles a tiger’s mouth with sharp, huge fangs.

With them he tears apart his prey. Insects that fall into the jaws of this beetle are doomed to death. The beetle lives in grass and between clods of earth. It is in constant search of food, so once you see it on your site, you can be calm about the safety of the harvest.

Turnip white (turnip): how to get rid of it?

Turnip white is sensitive to insecticides and many folk methods. However, pest control can become noticeably more complicated if there are many wild plants near the garden plot that are part of the insect’s diet.

If the number of caterpillars is insignificant, then it is permissible to use the mechanical method, that is, catching the larvae manually. If necessary, plants can be covered with mosquito netting to prevent egg laying.

Chemicals against turnips

It is important to consider that pupae and adults are practically insensitive to insecticides. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on eliminating the caterpillars. Newborn larvae are most sensitive to such drugs. Several remedies are considered the most effective against turnips, which we will discuss later.

Aktellik

Organophosphorus insecticide has an intestinal-contact mode of action. The active ingredient is pirimiphos-methyl. Actellik is considered an extremely popular and effective acaricide. It is distinguished by its high speed and duration of action, and a wide spectrum of action.

However, it has a hazard class 1 for beneficial insects, as well as a hazard class 2 for humans. Therefore, if safety rules are not followed, it can pose a serious threat to bees, children, people prone to allergies and pets. Has an unpleasant pungent odor.

Sumi alpha

The active substance is esfenvalirate. The main advantage is cost-effectiveness. At the same time, the product is highly effective. The insecticide is resistant to changes in weather conditions. The product has a hazard class 1 for bees and a hazard class 3 for mammals (moderately dangerous).

Baciturin

It has slightly less efficiency when compared with previous options. However, it is completely safe for plants, and also has a hazard class 4 for people and animals (low-hazard). If the established processing rules are followed, it does not harm beneficial insects. The drug is not addictive.

Lepidocide

The biological insecticide is not addictive and also has a high speed of action. Completely safe for fruit plants. Has a hazard class 4 for humans. Also, this biological product has a hazard class 3 for bees. Does not accumulate in plants and fruits, can be used at any phase of plant development. Not addictive.

The main disadvantage is the exclusively intestinal type of exposure. In addition, the product has a strong pungent odor and cannot boast of a long-term preventive effect.

Inta-vir

The active ingredient is cypermethrin. Hazard class for humans – 3. The pesticide has hazard class 2 for bees. It is highly effective and resistant to sunlight. It is odorless and does not pose a threat to plants.

Inta-vir is easily washed off by rain and can also have a negative effect on the composition of the soil. It quickly becomes addictive to pests.

Kinmiks

The active substance is beta-cypermethrin. Hazard class for mammals – 3. The product poses a threat to bees and other beneficial insects (hazard class 1). It has a long shelf life and low cost.

However, the insecticide is easily washed off with water, is addictive, and can also have a negative effect on weakened plants. It should be taken into account that, despite its high efficiency, the chemical preparation has a short duration of protective effect - no more than 12 days.

Bitoxibacillin

Because it is a biological agent, it does not accumulate in fruits and does not harm the plant. Can be used at any phase of plant development, harvesting can be done 5 days after treatment. The drug is aimed at combating young larvae, so it does not have a significant effect on adult individuals, but it prevents their reproduction. The insecticide has a short shelf life and is not effective at temperatures below +14 °C. It is not addictive, so the number of treatments is not limited.

Karate Zeon

The active ingredient is lambda-cyhalothrin. The product has a huge spectrum of action and does not accumulate in fruits, soil or plants themselves. Effective against pests at all stages of the life cycle. In addition, it is resistant to light and moisture. The insecticide is economical in consumption.

Hazard class for humans is 3. But the drug poses a serious threat to all beneficial insects, and has no effect on earthworms. The insecticide also causes significant damage to any inhabitants of water bodies.

It is important to understand that treating with insecticides in most cases requires special equipment, such as a respirator, goggles and gloves. Excessive or incorrect use of drugs will not only lead to the death of plants, but will also cause serious harm to the ecosystem.

Traditional methods against turnips

Folk methods are also effective against turnip whites. The main advantage of traditional methods of struggle is low financial costs. It should be borne in mind that most folk remedies produce a repellent effect, which is why such methods are useless against a large population of insects. The most popular methods of combating turnip whiteweed are:

Tobacco dust

There are 2 options for use. The first method is extremely simple and involves sprinkling the infected plants with tobacco dust. However, this method quickly loses its effectiveness due to sunlight and rain.

Another option is to make a decoction. In this case, you need to mix tobacco with water in a ratio of 1:10. To increase efficiency, you should add onion peels. The resulting liquid should be simmered over low heat for 30 minutes, after which the broth should be infused for a day. The resulting mixture should be filtered and diluted with water (the ratio of decoction to water is 1:3) so that it is completely safe for plants.

Wood ash

Although effective, it may negatively affect the growth of plants such as lingonberries, cranberries, azaleas or blueberries. At the same time, such an infusion will have an extremely positive effect on the development of cabbage.

To get rid of the pest and not harm the plantings, you should take no more than 30 g of ash per 1 liter of water. It is also permissible to add 50 g of soap. The mixture should be infused for 2 days. Be sure to filter the infusion before use.

Delphinium

For 100 g of dry leaves you need to take about 1 liter of water. It is unacceptable to use fresh leaves, because the sap of the plant is poisonous and can have a negative effect on plantings. The infusion must be left for 2 days. After this, add up to 50 g of soap to it and filter.

White mustard

For 1 liter of water, 10 g of mustard is required. It is recommended to use powder. The resulting liquid must be infused for 2 days. Next, add a little water and filter.

Vinegar essence (70%)

For 1 liter of water you need to add no more than 10 ml of vinegar essence and 20 g of mustard powder. It is acceptable to use apple or table cider vinegar. You can also add 30 g of laundry or tar soap to the product. The solution does not need to be boiled or infused. It is important to monitor the condition of the plants, as this method can lead to burns.

Fresh wormwood leaves are often placed next to infected plants. Its smell repels not only reptiles, but also many other pests. Also, sometimes cotton wool or fabric is soaked in kerosene, and then placed next to a cluster of insects.

Its natural enemies – riders – will also help in the fight against the turnip whitefish. To attract them, you need to plant Iberis and marigolds in the rows and between cruciferous plants.

Prevention

The main element of preventive measures against any pests is deep digging of the soil in late autumn. This allows you to get rid of many overwintering pupae. In spring it is recommended to carry out harrowing. You should also follow a few more rules of prevention:

• every spring you need to change the planting location;
• dry leaves and shoots should be destroyed immediately after harvesting;
• constantly get rid of weeds and wild cruciferous plants in and around the site;
• Parsley, lemon balm, thyme and peppermint should be planted between the rows; they repel insects with their scent.

The turnip moth most often settles on young plants. Therefore, such plantings require special attention and care. You can also plant tomato bushes next to cabbage plants: their smell also repels the pest.

Measures and means of control

Along with agrotechnical methods in the form of the destruction of cruciferous weeds, an effective method of control in a small area is the manual collection of caterpillars and their subsequent destruction.

It is recommended to promptly spray cabbage and other cruciferous crops with preparations that contain organophosphorus compounds, neonicotinoids and pyrethroids. Effective means are plant insecticides and biological pesticides.

Parasitoids for reptile larvae include Apanteles glomeratus and Hyposoter vulgaris, and for pupated pests - Pteromalus puparium.

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Description: The largest and one of the most beautiful species of the genus Carabus in Russia. Beetle 32-55 mm long. The top of the body is blue, sometimes with a purple or green tint, shiny, the bottom is black, with a blue tint on the sides. The pronotum is noticeably narrowed anteriorly, its anterior margin is narrower than the base, and the surface is roughly wrinkled or granular. Elytra with coarse, coarse-grained sculpture. Distribution: Northeastern Turkey, northern Iran (Elborz), Caucasus, Transcaucasia. There are 2 common subspecies in Russia: the smaller (32-44 mm) C. c. caucasicus and the larger (45-55 mm) C. c. colchicus. The nominative subspecies is found in the northern Caucasus (from Adygea in the west to Dagestan in the east, in the north to the Stavropol elevation). C. c. colchicus is known from the Sochi region and the southwestern highlands of the Krasnodar Territory (this fragment of the range runs approximately along the Gelendzhik-Anapa-Tonnelnaya-Ubinskaya-Novodmitrievskaya-Gelendzhik line). The first subspecies is described from Georgievsk and Konstantinogorsk, the second - from Oni (Georgia). Apparently, the area has significant mosaicism and strong disjunctions. In particular, its western fragment currently has no connections with either the Ciscaucasian or Transcaucasian sections.

Habitats: In Russia there are 2 ecological forms, which generally coincide with the main subspecies. The nominate subspecies usually inhabits relatively dry forest communities (mainly oak forests). However, sometimes it rises to mountain steppes and meadow-steppes at altitudes of 1800-2000 m above sea level. The second subspecies is mainly confined to mesophytic deciduous and mixed forests, especially in rocky and calcareous (karst) terrain. However, characteristic stations are extremely western. populations from the Gelendzhik-Anapa region are closer to those of the nominative subspecies. Celebrated in gardens and parks. The beetles are most active at night, but daytime activity is sometimes observed. They are found throughout the growing season, starting in April. More active in spring and early summer. At the same time, mating and egg laying occur. Larvae emerge from eggs after 1-2 weeks. They have a bright blue tint, feed on mollusks, spending a significant part of their life in their shells. Pupation occurs in an earthen cradle. Development from egg to adult takes 3-4 months. Young beetles are observed in mid-summer. In dry years, mass mortality of older adults was observed in mid-to-late July. The imago overwinters. Active predator. It feeds mainly on gastropods (including slugs), which it searches for in dry biotopes, along streams and in damp places. Feeding on insect larvae, earthworms and small vertebrates was also noted. The beneficial role of the species was known to local residents, who brought it into gardens and vegetable gardens to control pests.

Abundance: There is a downward trend in the species' abundance. The main limiting factors are deforestation, pesticide treatment of agrocenoses adjacent to forest areas, and in the central and eastern regions. Ciscaucasia (especially in the region of the Rocky Range) trampling by cattle of the litter of forest clumps inhabited by this ground beetle. In the 19th century in some regions the species was hunted for use in the manufacture of jewelry. It is possible that in some places the population size may still be undermined by massive commercial collection by collectors. In recent years, due to severe droughts and forest fires that destroy natural plant communities, there has been a sharp decline in numbers in the Gelendzhik-Anapa region.

Where does the ground beetle live?

Photo: Ground beetle in Russia

Ground beetles are insects that are distributed almost everywhere around the globe, except Antarctica. They can be found in Europe and Asia, Africa, Australia, North and South America, and in a variety of climate zones. There are species that can survive at sub-zero temperatures and species that are drought-resistant.

Since the species diversity of ground beetles is quite large, they can be found in the tropics and subtropics, in temperate climates, in the taiga and tundra. Their habitats are also very different: zones of forests and steppes, savannas and deserts, forest-steppes and semi-deserts, tropical rainforests and highlands.

For their life activities, ground beetles, as a rule, choose:

• top layers of soil (in fields, meadows and garden areas);
• bark of old trees and fallen leaves (in forests and parks);
• cracks, caves and crevices (in the mountains).

Among the many species of ground beetles, entomologists also distinguish many diurnal and nocturnal species, but with a small reservation. Its essence lies in the fact that the most determining criterion for activity for beetles is not the presence or absence of sunlight at one time or another of the day, but increased air humidity. After all, in the spring, when air humidity is high, nocturnal species tend to be active during the daytime.

Types of ground beetles

In Russia, the largest common species can be safely called the Caucasian ground beetle. They live in the northern regions of the Caucasus, mainly in mountainous areas. But you can also find them in the Krasnodar region. Don’t be afraid of an incomprehensible rustling sound while sitting in the garden with a cup of tea in your hands.

These beetles had a good rest during the day and rushed into battle at dusk. At night, beetles intensify their activity, begin to hunt for worms and small midges, and do not disdain larvae. The favorite habitats of ground beetles are gardens and parks, where you can safely hunt and there is no shortage of food.

The Caucasian ground beetle can be recognized at first glance by its bright bluish, sometimes greenish and purple color. It is noteworthy that this particular species of beetle is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation as rapidly declining. Back in the 19th century, scientists actively hunted for beautiful beetles to add to their personal collection or to sell to less fortunate colleagues not only in Russia, but also abroad.

It will be a rare success to discover another species of ground beetle - the Crimean one. Its name speaks for itself. You can find it within the Crimean peninsula, mostly in the southwestern part. However, just the desire to get an insect is not enough. You need to be patient and have a powerful flashlight, because this beetle is a nocturnal creature and goes out hunting only after sunset.

The Crimean ground beetle is a rather large beetle. Cases have been recorded when its body length reached 6 centimeters. Due to its size and hunting talent, the beetle is a dangerous enemy not only for small insects, but also for small lizards. He loves grape snails, so you can also find him near water, in small backwaters.

Carefully! This type of beetle can also be dangerous for humans. The fact is that in the back of the body the Crimean ground beetle has special glands that contain a caustic liquid

This is not poison, but the composition of the liquid is aimed at scaring away enemies. The beetle shoots this liquid towards the threat.

The length of the shot can reach two meters and can easily hit, for example, the eyes. If this happens, you should immediately rinse your eyes or any other affected area with plenty of water and seek medical attention. There is no point in taking revenge on the beetle. This ground beetle is listed in the Red Book as an endangered species.

The beautiful ground beetle is the most pretentious representative of its species. Its full name is fragrant krasotel. Its average size varies from 3 to 4 centimeters. The body of the insect, like its fellows, has a metallic sheen, but unlike other species it has a magnificent color.

Most often these are blue-green shades interspersed with gold and copper. He prefers to settle in coniferous and deciduous forests, in parks and gardens, where it is humid and nourishing thanks to the colonies of butterflies and caterpillars living there. It is these that the handsome beetle hunts on dark nights.

Most often you can find the beauty in the forests of European countries, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, and a number of countries in Central Asia. The ground beetle is a rare insect, listed in the Red Book not only of Russia, but also of Europe.

The more common types of ground beetles are:

• shagreen;
• garden;
• granivores;
• horses;
• lebia.

It is these types of insects that are widespread in all regions of Russia.