Peaceful Giant Ground Beetle (Tefflus)

Family Carabidae

Extremely large beetle of nearly 5cm in body length.

 They are found during the day hunting for insects.

 Found in the northern and north eastern regions.

Info: Field Guide to Insects of South Africa

Bombadier Ants Guest Beetle (Cerapterus lacerates)

Family Carabidae

 These are smallish beetles with a body length of just over 1cm and identified by the flattened, squarish antaenna.

 If molested, it sprays quinine-containing gas in explosive bursts.

Two-spotted Ground Beetle (Anthia burchellii )

I have now found three species of Two-spotted Ground beetles here, the latest is Anthia burchellii.

One has to look closely on finding them as they can easily be confused so I am posting pictures of all three here to see if you can spot the difference.

They are usually found foraging alone and all three species occur in the same areas.

They are large beetles, over 3cm (1.5”) in body length with mandibles which are scary to see so close up.

The other two species are: Anthia thoracica (above) and Thermophilum homoplatum (below)

They eat live insects and can be found both at night and during the day hunting for prey.