Species Insects & ArthropodsFiery Searcher

Fiery Searcher

Calosoma scrutator

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Fiery Searcher (Calosoma scrutator)

The Fiery Searcher is one of North America's most spectacular beetles, with an iridescent green and violet thorax and brilliant metallic green elytra trimmed with purple-red margins. It is an aggressive predator that climbs trees in search of caterpillars, especially tent caterpillars, earning it the name caterpillar hunter. When disturbed, it releases a foul defensive chemical spray.

Habitat
Forests, orchards, and gardens
Diet
Larvae and adults: caterpillars and other soft insects
How common
Common

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