Ground Beetle

*Carabidae*

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

+4 Beneficial

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardenstilled crop landmeadowswoodlandsunder leaves or debrisin cracks in the soil

Taxonomic Group

Beetle

Order

Coleoptera

Family

Carabidae

Lifecycle

Ground beetles undergo complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid in the soil or on the surface. The larval stage consists of three instars, which are also predatory and live in the soil or debris. The pupal stage also occurs in the soil. There is typically one generation per year, though some larger species may take longer to develop and can live for 2-4 years as adults.

Overwintering Strategy

The majority of species overwinter as adults in the soil or in sheltered sites such as under leaf litter or in hedgerows.

Native Range

Worldwide

Attracted By

red cloverwhite cloverasparagusrhubarbperennial vegetablesperennial flowersnative grassesbuckwheatcilantrobachelor buttons

Companion Planting

Interplanting with living mulches like red and white clover can create an ideal microclimate for ground beetles. Perennial plants such as asparagus and rhubarb, as well as native grasses, provide stable habitats and attract these beneficial predators to the garden, where they can help control pest populations.