Black Ground Beetle

Fields, gardens, woodlands, and urban areas; often found under rocks, logs, or leaf litter.

Omnivorous; feeds on a variety of items including weed seeds, caterpillars, aphids, and other small invertebrates.

Primarily nocturnal hunters; they are strong runners and are frequently attracted to lights at night. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Generally beneficial to ecosystems and gardens as they prey on common agricultural pests and consume weed seeds. They are harmless to humans, though they may release a foul-smelling odor if handled.