Black Beetle
Scientific Name: Coleoptera (Family: Tenebrionidae or Carabidae)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: various, likely Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
Size: 5 mm to 25 mm, depending on species
Natural Habitat
Varies widely based on specific species, but commonly found in soil, under logs, or in leaf litter. Some species are found in urban areas.
Diet & Feeding
Predatory, herbivorous, or scavenger depending on species; many consume decaying plant matter or small insects.
Behavior Patterns
Many are nocturnal, seeking shelter in dark, damp areas during the day. They have a hard exoskeleton and may fly or crawl depending on the species.
Risks & Benefits
Most are harmless to humans; they benefit the ecosystem as decomposers or as a food source for larger animals. A few species are considered agricultural or household pests.
Identified on: 6/11/2026