forest caterpillar hunter (Calosoma sycophanta)

The forest caterpillar hunter (Calosoma sycopantha) belongs to the family of the groundbeetles (Carabidae). The beetle has specialized in catching caterpillars. It helps in preventing damage from forest vermins like the larvae of the gipsy moth (Lymantria dispar). Even in its larval stage the beetle is hunting for prey. The shown specimen come from the collection of Dr. med. Wilhelm Paasch (1874-1959).