Biology
Carabus olympiae © Mauro Morando
Olimpia’s ground beetle is normally nocturnal, actively searching out its invertebrate prey by night. It can be active during the day during periods of heavy rain.
The beetles are active during the short summer season in the Alps, especially between June and September, with a peak in abundance during July.
The beetles lay their eggs in early summer and the active and predacious larvae go through 3 instars before pupating after about 6 weeks.
Adults emerge in late summer and feed to build up energy reserves before hibernating over the cold winter months. It is possible that beetles may survive for more than one year.
