Big Headed Ground Beetle (Scarites subterraneous)

Here, we have another scary looking creature that is actually very beneficial: the big headed ground beetle. These guys range anywhere from 1.5 - 2 cm long, and they are pretty common throughout most of the US. They are nocturnal hunters that hide underneath logs, mulch, or rocks during the day. I found this one under a rock that I had turned over in the flower garden. I couldn't get a good angle on without transporting it to my front porch (along with a small handful of dirt for it to hide in). It played dead for a couple of minutes, and I was able to gently pose it for a few pictures. Eventually, it realized that I wasn't fooled by its ploy and opted to run... and boy did it! S. subterraneous hunts down bugs and insects for a living, so they have to be pretty nimble.

As usual, I identified this specimen using bugguide.net. The defining characteristics were the narrow "waist" and the distribution of this particular species. Most other similar species are not commonly found where I live. Interestingly, I also noticed that they give off a strange smell when bothered. It wasn't putrid (or even all that off-putting), and it didn't burn or irritate the skin, but it was noticeable.

Monster Mandibles

Big headed ground beetles use their pincer-like mandibles to capture their prey which may consist of the eggs, larvae, pupae, or even adult forms of insects, as well as other garden pests. When I find them around my yard, I will usually relocate them to my garden so they can help to eliminate slugs, snails, and caterpillars. I almost worked up the nerve to let this one bite me, but he got away before it could happen. Maybe next time?? If so, you'll find it here!