Bug Identifier
Black Beetle
Community identification

Black Beetle

Coleoptera (Family: Tenebrionidae or Carabidae)

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera; Family: various, likely Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
Size
5 mm to 25 mm, depending on species
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.