These rather large (35mm) beetles and their larvae prey on caterpillars. Adult fiery searchers are active during the daytime, and larvae at night. Both frequently climb trees in search of prey. They are found in gardens, crop fields and open woods throughout southern Canada and the United States.

Ground Beetles (Carabidae) comprise a large family of over 3,000 species in North America. They are found under logs, rocks, and in forest floor leaf litter in moist areas. They measure between 3-36mm long. Most are shiny black, but some, such as the fiery searcher pictured here, are brightly metallic in color. They have a relatively large prothorax, narrow head, and long legs with spurred tibia. The antennae are threadlike, and there is a single pair of compound eyes. Most are nocturnal, hunting on the ground.
Bombardier Beetles are members of this family.