Vanishing III (Delta Green Ground Beetle)

Holly Downing

This hand-colored mezzotint is from a series of prints Holly Downing has been doing featuring vanishing species, in this case, invertebrates. Each impression is printed in black and then hand-colored by the artist. There my be slight variations between impressions.

The Delta Green Ground Beetle, only about 1/4 of an inch long, has only been found in the greater Jepson Prairie area in south-central Solano County, California. It is typically brilliant metallic green and bronze. There are two slightly different color forms. Most adults are metallic green with bronze spots on the elytra (first pair of wings). Some adults lack the spots and are nearly uniform metallic green.

Entomologists believe that Delta green ground beetles are generalized predators. Their primary food may be springtails, tiny, wingless, moisture-loving creatures that seek dampness outdoors and in. They play a useful role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants, fruits, and vegetables. The Delta Ground Beetle only exists in a small area, around 7,000 acres.