Ground Beetle -Leistus spinibarbis

My apologies to those that aren't fond of insects but here's another. Spring is on the doorstep and my little friends are back out again. Those that have joined me during the winter, I'm afraid you may see a lot of critters soon. This time the image is more satisfying than the one taken in haste yesterday.

This is another Ground Beetle which goes by the name of, Prussian Plate-jaw or, it's Latin name, Leistus spinibarbis. It's a common throughout England an Wales, and grows to no more than 10.5mm and has the most superb metallic blue colour. They are nocturnal, as are most of the ground beetles, and is another friend in the garden. He lives on slugs, snails, and the insects that you don't want on your plants. After last years disaster in the garden, I'm hoping these creatures breed like fun in the night.