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Fiery Searcher

fiery_searcher_sm.jpg: Fiery searcher beetle
Range: United States, southern Canada
Habitat: Open woodlands, croplands, gardens
Conservation Status: Not listed by IUCN
Scientific Name: Calosoma scrutator

This wonderfully-named insect is beneficial to many trees and shrubs, because it preys primarily on the caterpillars that feed on these plants. This habit has also earned it the less exotic name "caterpillar hunter." Fiery searchers are common ground beetles. When handled they can give off a very unpleasant odor.