Where Found:
Europe and some areas of America and Australasia
Description:
The Devil's coach horse is a long black rove beetle around 30mm long with a flattened head and sharp pincer mouthparts. This beetle is capable of inflicting a painful bite if handled. When it feels threatened it will raise up its abdomen so that it looks like a small scorpion, and it will spray a foul-smelling liquid from its abdomen. Devil's coach horse beetles mate during the autumn and lay eggs into a damp spots, such as in moss or leaf litter. The eggs hatch into larvae that feed eagerly on other soil-dwelling invertebrates.
Beneficial Because:
Devil's coach horse beetles are voracious predators who consume significant numbers of small slugs and other pests such as vine weevil larvae and cutworm.
Food and Habitat:
Devil's coach horse beetles are active at night, when they consume small slugs and snails, and a wide range of other invertebrates. This beetle is commonly found in damp areas in a garden, woodland or hedgerow.
Attracting More:
Provide suitable damp refuges for these beetles such as compost heaps, log piles and moss-covered rocks.
