High violet

This Violet Ground Beetle Carabus violaceous was a welcome first record for the garden. It looked like it had been in the wars, with damage to the left side of the elytra, but was still an impressive insect.

Violaceous Ground Beetle Carabus violaceous

This is one of our largest beetles, they can measure up to 30mm. Identification is not that straightforward, as there is a similar species - Carabus problematicus. In C. violaceous the elytra (wing cases) are smoother with fine punctures but no ridges, and the shape of the promontum also differs.