| Scientific name | Carabidae family |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 5–30 mm (up to about 1.2 in) |
| Colors | Black and Metallic |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Garden or plants, Basement or garage and Lawn or grass |
| Most active | Spring, Summer and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Harmless |
How to identify it
The ground beetle is a medium-sized member of the beetles group. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back. Check for these three features:
- Shiny black body, often with a metallic sheen
- Long legs built for running
- Grooved wing covers and a narrow head with strong jaws
About this bug
A fast-running, shiny black beetle that hunts slugs, caterpillars and other insects at night. Ground beetles often wander into basements and garages from nearby mulch and leaf litter.
You'll usually find ground beetles in gardens and on plants, in basements and garages and in lawns and grass. They are most active in spring, summer and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Ground beetles rarely bite and are beneficial predators; a few release a harmless, bad-smelling spray.
Our rating: Harmless, meaning it poses no real threat to people, pets or property.
When you'll see ground beetles
Ground Beetles are most active in spring, summer and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: garden or plants, basement or garage and lawn or grass.
About beetles
The ground beetle is one of the beetles. Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.
Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.
Should you get rid of it?
No control is needed. Ground Beetles are not pests, and many help by eating other insects or pollinating plants. If one is indoors, move it outside with a cup and a sheet of paper.
Bugs that look similar
Group: Ground Beetle belongs to beetles, while Oriental cockroach belongs to cockroaches. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back.
Size: Ground Beetles are larger, reaching 30 mm, while June bugs top out around 25 mm.
Size: Eyed Click Beetles are larger, reaching 45 mm, while ground beetles top out around 30 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a ground beetle look like?
Shiny black body, often with a metallic sheen. Adults measure 5–30 mm (up to about 1.2 in).
Does the ground beetle bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Ground beetles rarely bite and are beneficial predators; a few release a harmless, bad-smelling spray.
Where do ground beetles live?
Ground Beetles live in gardens and on plants, in basements and garages and in lawns and grass.
When are ground beetles most active?
Mostly in spring, summer and fall.