Lebia viridis (cyanipennis) “Western Colorful Foliage Beetle” Carabidae
Clinton, MT
July 25, 2015
Robert Niese
This awesome carnivorous beetle joined us at the sheets during our Mothlighting event for National Moth Week with the Missoula Butterfly House. These colorful Carabids didn’t come to the light looking for sex though. They were on the hunt! This guy was speedily chasing after gnats and other small insects that we had attracted to our lights. In my opinion, watching these tiny predators was just as exciting as any lion hunt in Africa!
Northwest Naturalist 