Ground Beetle

Scientific Name: Carabidae

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Carabidae

Size: 2mm to 35mm (the specimen in the photo appears to be a smaller common variety, roughly 10-15mm).

Ground Beetle

Natural Habitat

Typically found outdoors under rocks, logs, leaves, or in gardens. Can accidentally wander indoors through cracks or under doors.

Diet & Feeding

Mostly predatory; they eat other insects, worms, slugs, and larvae. Some species also consume seeds or vegetation.

Behavior Patterns

Night-active (nocturnal) hunters. They are fast runners that rarely fly. They often hide in dark, moist places during the day.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: Highly beneficial to ecosystems and gardens as they control pest populations. Risks: Generally harmless to humans; they do not sting and typically do not bite unless handled roughly. They are not considered indoor pests and do not infest homes.

Identified on: 4/18/2026