
Community identification
Ground Beetle
Harpalus pennsylvanicus
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera/Carabidae
- Size
- 10 - 15 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Typically found in fields, gardens, and under debris or stones, but often enters homes when attracted to lights.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae and adults are generalist predators, feeding on a wide variety of insects including caterpillars, fly larvae, and weed seeds.
Behavior Patterns
Primarily nocturnal; they are active hunters at night and strongly attracted to artificial lights. They run quickly when disturbed.
Risks & Benefits
They pose no risk to humans as they do not bite or sting. They are highly beneficial to ecosystems and gardens as they help control pest insect populations and consume weed seeds.