Carabid beetles of forest habitats are mostly hygrophilous and darkpreferring species. Nearly all of them are nocturnal, and the majority are autumn breeders. Most carabids from open field habitats are xerophilous, light-preferring and diurnal species, or they are indifferent to humidity and light and can be active by day and night. This group includes markedly more spring breeders than the forest species. The adaptative value of the observed correlations is discussed.