Black Ground Beetle

Scientific Name: Harpalus pennsylvanicus

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Carabidae

Size: 13 to 25 millimeters (approx. 0.5 to 1 inch)

Black Ground Beetle

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