Ground Beetles (Carabidae) comprise a large family of over 3,000 species in North America. They are found under logs, rocks, and in forest floor leaf litter in moist areas. They measure between 3-36mm long. Most are shiny black, but some, such as the fiery searcher pictured here, are brightly metallic in color. They have a relatively large prothorax, narrow head, and long legs with spurred tibia. The antennae are threadlike, and there is a single pair of compound eyes. Most are nocturnal, hunting on the ground.
Bombardier Beetles are members of this family.