Identifying an adult carabid

All adult carabids possess three features which distinguish them from other terrestrial beetles: the hind coxae are fixed in place
see image and table of abbreviations, the hind coxae divide the first visible sternite of the abdomen, and they have an internal pair of glands in the abdomen used for generating defensive chemicals see image. These glands cannot be seen externally; however, their use produces distinctive and powerful sprays and odors in many carabid lineages. Two carabid lineages, the Brachinini and Paussinae, are known as "bombardier beetles," since they have the ability to explosively discharge defensive chemicals at temperatures of 55°C - 100°C (Aneshansley et al. 1969). This type of defensive system is unique among the beetles (Bousquet & Larochelle 1993).