What Do Black Beetles Eat?

Black beetles eat grubs, caterpillars, fly maggots and pupae, aphids, weevils, earthworms, snails, slugs and other soft-bodied creatures. They also eat other species of beetles if they are small enough. This specific type of beetle is also called the Common Black Ground Beetle.

Common Black Ground Beetles are carnivores. They hunt and live in dark, moist places such as woods, fields and gardens. They dwell under rocks, leaves, plants and logs and in mulch. Keeping with their low profile, black beetles are nocturnal and hunt at night. Since they do not fly, black beetles run to catch their prey. While they prefer to hunt on the ground, sheltered from their own predators, they do climb trees, shrubs and other plants in search for aphids, caterpillars and other soft-bodied prey. Common Black Ground Beetle larvae also are carnivorous and feed on worms and other insects found beneath the soil.

Common Black Ground Beetles are a glossy black and have a distinct head, thorax and abdomen with pronounced ridges running its length. These beetles are considered to be beneficial to gardeners and homeowners, as they take care of pesky insects that feed on crops and invade homes. Their predators include birds, small snakes, toads and shrews. Common Black Ground Beetles are found throughout the United States.