Golden Ground Beetle
Carabus auratus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carabus_auratus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Golden Ground Beetle faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive agricultural practices that eliminate the diverse ground-layer vegetation and invertebrate prey it depends upon. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations in small woodland patches, reducing genetic diversity and limiting dispersal between suitable sites. Urban expansion and infrastructure development continue to destroy critical breeding habitats, while pesticide use in surrounding agricultural areas creates toxic conditions that affect both the beetles and their arthropod food sources.
Habitat
Golden Ground Beetles inhabit woodland edges, hedgerows, and semi-natural grasslands with diverse ground vegetation that supports abundant invertebrate prey. They require areas with loose soil for burrowing and overwintering, typically favoring transitional zones between forests and open agricultural land.
Other threatened species in Carabidae
Threatened in Austria
Frequently asked questions
Why is Golden Ground Beetle classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Golden Ground Beetle live?
What are the main threats to Golden Ground Beetle?
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