The Blue Ground Beetle (Carabus intricatus) is a nocturnal beetle found in the ancient woodlands on Dartmoor. Adults can grow to 3cm long and they have long wiry limbs to help them climb up trees to find their prey. They have large protruding jaws so they can capture slugs and suck out their insides! First discovered in 1811, it was soon presumed extinct until 1994 when it was rediscovered on Dartmoor. It is estimated that Dartmoor represents over 80% of the Blue Ground Beetle population in the UK.

There’s still a lot we need to learn about the ecology of the Blue Ground Beetle, and its habitat requirements. Buglife's South West Blue Ground Beetle project will improve understanding of the extent and health of populations of the beetle, undertaking surveys within ancient woodland fragments across Devon and Cornwall. By better understanding the ecology and locations of the Blue Ground Beetle Buglife can help conserve these populations for the future.

This year I will be turning 50 and I will be running to the 50 highest tors on Dartmoor, over the month of March, to raise money for the Blue Ground Beetle Project. You can watch my progress on social media (@papillongindartmoor)

Please donate to help this fabulous beetle. Or buy a bottle of Carabus Gin from our website (www.papillongin.co.uk) where £2 from every 70cl bottle is donated to the project.