Common Ground Beetle / Chlaenius Beetle

Natural Habitat

Damp environments near water, meadows, marshes, and garden areas with plenty of vegetation/leaf litter.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous predator feeding on other insects, slugs, snails, and various invertebrate larvae.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal hunters that are fast runners. They often emit a pungent, unpleasant odor from pygidial glands when disturbed to deter predators.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardens as they provide natural pest control for slugs and caterpillars. They are harmless to humans but may release a foul odor if handled.

Identified on: 4/29/2026