Ground Beetle

Natural Habitat

Widely distributed globally, found in various habitats including forests, fields, gardens, under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and in soil. They often enter homes incidentally.

Diet & Feeding

Mostly carnivorous, preying on other insects, slugs, snails, and worms. Some species may eat seeds or fungi.

Behavior Patterns

Ground beetles are primarily nocturnal predators, although some species can be active during the day. They are fast runners and will quickly hide when disturbed. Many species are attracted to lights at night. They undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Larvae typically live in the soil or under debris and are also predaceous.

Risks & Benefits

Generally beneficial as they prey on many garden pests (e.g., slugs, cutworms, root maggots). They do not bite or sting humans, and are not known to transmit diseases. When they enter homes, they are mostly a nuisance and do not cause damage.

Identified on: 8/14/2025