Fiery Searcher Beetle (Calosoma scrutator)

[padkison]

Found this beauty while out millipede hunting the other night. Didn't look it up until yesterday when I noticed the wood roaches I had in the jar with it had "disappeared". The beetle is about 1" long and very striking when viewed through a magnifying glass. Anyone keep one of these before?

View attachment 53547

Better picture here on Bugguide.net

http://bugguide.net/node/view/54347

 

[Wade]

I've kept them, they're relatively long-lived (for a beetle) but tend to stay hidden much of the time.

In the wild, they mainly prey on caterpillars, but will take other insects in captivity. I normally offer partially-smashed crickets. They also like some fruits and sweet liquids.

Wade

 

[insect714]

Now thats a beaut of a predatory beetle. Wish I could find those here.

Jon Insect

 

[beetleman]

the fierysearchers are my old time favorites,i love em! except when they spray that !@#$%^&*() fluid out of their rearend that stuff can knock an elephant down! i'm adding a few to my pred.beetle collection,they are definitly a must have

 

[insect714]

So who here has accessto them? I would like to add a few to my buggy collection also. If anyone has access to some please PM me.

Jon Insect