Fiery Searcher, Caterpillar Hunter (Calosoma scrutator)

Benton, KY(Zone 7a)

Thumbnail by melody
Crescent, OK

I just killed or rather squashed (very hard to do) one of these and now I'm wondering if I should have left it alone - it was in my plum tree - can anyone help me?

Crescent, OK

I would like to add that the tree had loads of butterflies drinking (I think) the juice of the plums but I did not see any caterpillars !

Benton, KY(Zone 7a)

They are predators, but usually limit themselves to crawling prey. Butterflies are probably safe, but they'll catch any other crawling insect. It wouldn't have to be a caterpillar.

They're considered one of the 'good guys' and are beneficial to have around.

Laurens, SC(Zone 7b)

Is this the same as a "June Bug"? We have those here in SC and I just saw one yesterday.

Ottawa, KS(Zone 5b)

It's not the same as a "June Bug" (or "May Beetle"). June Bugs are an adult form of grub worms, and hence are "bad". This is a "good bug".

Benton, KY(Zone 7a)

Zen Man is correct, these are not June Bugs.

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