Black Ground Beetle
Scientific Name: Harpalus pennsylvanicus
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Carabidae
Size: 13 to 25 millimeters (approx. 0.5 to 1 inch)

Natural Habitat
Typically found in gardens, fields, and around homes under rocks, logs, or leaf litter.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; feeds on a variety of insect larvae, small invertebrates, and some seeds or vegetation.
Behavior Patterns
Night-active (nocturnal) hunters that are often attracted to porch lights; they move quickly on the ground and usually only enter homes by accident.
Risks & Benefits
No significant risk to humans as they do not bite or transmit disease; highly beneficial to the ecosystem as they prey on common garden pests like slugs and caterpillars.
Identified on: 6/9/2026