Pterostichus niger

This large (15-21mm) ground beetle is all black apart from red claws and spines on its legs. The pronotum is rather long and fairly narrow by comparison with Pterostichus melanarius and also has sinuate sides.

Pterostichus melanarius is a similar size and colour but has a rounded pronotum, not sinuate, but with a small tooth at each rear corner.

Pterostichus madidas also has a rounded pronotum but doesn't have the rear teeth.

Found in woodland and damp grassland.

Most likely to be seen between spring and autumn

It Breeds in the autumn and overwinters as an adult. Groups can be found sheltering together under bark and logs.

Common throughout Britain

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 157 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.