Black Ground Beetle

Scientific Name: Harpalus pennsylvanicus

Order & Family: Coleoptera: Carabidae

Size: 10 to 15 mm (approximately 0.4 to 0.6 inches)

Black Ground Beetle

Natural Habitat

Fields, gardens, and woodlands; often found under stones, logs, or debris.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; primarily feeds on weed seeds and small insects like caterpillars or aphids.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and fast-moving; they are often attracted to porch lights at night and hide during the day. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling agricultural pests and weed populations; they are harmless to humans and do not bite or sting unless handled roughly.

Identified on: 5/28/2026