Darkling beetle (likely a stink beetle)

Dry habitats such as deserts, grasslands, gardens, and under logs, stones, or debris. Many species are active on the ground, especially at night.

Adults generally eat decaying plant material, fungi, seeds, and occasionally live vegetation. Larvae feed on roots, organic debris, and other plant matter in soil.

Mostly nocturnal and slow-moving; often hides during daylight. When threatened, Eleodes species may raise the abdomen and release a defensive odor, while larvae develop in soil or rotting organic matter.

Harmless to people and not medically significant; defensive secretions can irritate eyes or skin. It helps recycle organic matter, though some species may occasionally damage seedlings or garden plants.