Common Black Ground Beetle
Pterostichus melanarius
The adult is a glossy black ground beetle found in gardens, grassland, crop fields, hedgerows, and woodland edges, especially in damp cover. It is mostly nocturnal and runs across the ground to hunt slugs, worms, insect larvae, and other small invertebrates. Its firm exoskeleton and grooved wing cases help protect it while it shelters under stones, logs, and leaf litter by day. Although it has wings, this species relies mainly on running rather than flight and can release irritating defensive chemicals when handled.
- Type
- Fang / Shell
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Common Black Ground Beetle