Black beetle - Ask Extension
Can someone tell me what kind of beetle this is and why is it in my house?
Knowledgebase
Black beetle #425723
Asked September 07, 2017, 6:49 PM EDT
Can someone tell me what kind of beetle this is and why is it in my house?
Rice County Minnesota
Expert Response
The insect in the photo is probably a kind of ground beetle, perhaps a Pennsylvania ground beetle, Harpalus pensylvanicus or a closely related species.
Most ground beetles are harmless, even beneficial insofar as they may prey upon insect pests and weed seeds.
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/ground-beetles/
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2008/8-13/groundbeetles.html
Ground beetles' presence indoors is mostly accidental/coincidental. Vacuuming them or ushering them outdoors are recommended.
Most ground beetles are harmless, even beneficial insofar as they may prey upon insect pests and weed seeds.
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/ground-beetles/
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2008/8-13/groundbeetles.html
Ground beetles' presence indoors is mostly accidental/coincidental. Vacuuming them or ushering them outdoors are recommended.
