Blue Ground Beetle (Ray Mears Wilderness Walks)

[sxmolloy]

Evening all.

I watched the 1st episode of Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears when it first aired on ITV a good few weeks ago. Not long after watching the episode I went out for a solo overnighter with my camera with the intention of capturing some good sunset shots. This didn't happen, however I did come accross what I believe is the Blue Ground Beetle which featured in the Ray Mears programme.

After a little research it seems that this beetle is rare, and known sightings in England are only in the South West. I live in the North West so, if possible I would like a second opinion. This is the link to google images:

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=b...ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#tbm=isch&q=blue+ground+beetle

Wilderness Walks is still on ITV player and you can see the beetle at approx 12 minutes 11 seconds.
and here are my pics:



Any help or opinions much appreciated.

Cheers

Stu

 

[JonathanD]

Looks like a Violet ground beetle to me.

 

[sxmolloy]

Ok, should have put this in my original post. I am colour blind! My shots look just as blue as the google images and the ITV footage to me. Ha!

 

[Jackdaw]

As has already been said, likely to be the violet ground beetle. Unfortunately for most insects their differention to species/sub-species level can often involve having their private parts disected! I used to work with an entomologist

 

[ozzy1977]

That little chap is found in my garden and has been seen in Rendlesham forest

 

[Big Stu 12]

That little chap is found in my garden and has been seen in Rendlesham forest

LOL.. I was just about to say the same... remember the one we saw Chris.. So Bright and vivid

 

[ozzy1977]

Yup amazing little fellows

 

[JonathanD]

Violets can reach a good old size and come in amazing colours. Would love to see a blue though.