
Community identification
Scarites Ground Beetle
Scarites spp. (possibly Scarites subterraneus)
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera: Carabidae
- Size
- 15 mm to 30 mm (0.6 to 1.2 inches)
Natural Habitat
Found in gardens, forests, and fields; they live primarily in burrows or under leaf litter and rocks.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist predator that eats other insects, including caterpillars, ants, and other beetles.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal hunters that remain in burrows during the day; they are known for their strong mandibles and their ability to play dead (thanatosis) when threatened.
Risks & Benefits
Beneficial to ecosystems as a natural pest control; they do not pose a risk to humans or pets, although they may give a small, harmless pinch if handled.