Insect · GBIF taxon 4988607
Pennsylvania Dingy Ground Beetle
Harpalus pensylvanicusAlso known as Pennsylvania Ground Beetle, Dingy Ground Beetle
Pennsylvania dingy ground beetles are stout, active nocturnal insects common across North American fields and suburban gardens. Their shiny black or dark reddish-brown bodies are supported by pale tan legs, making them effective soil-dwelling foragers. They play a beneficial ecological role by consuming large quantities of weed seeds alongside crop pests like caterpillars and aphids.
NocturnalOmnivorousBeneficial Insect
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Weed Seeds
- Caterpillars
- Aphids
Predators
- Toads
- Songbirds
- Small Rodents
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticides, habitat conversion, light pollution
HabitatsAgricultural fields, gardens, grassy meadows, suburban yards
Life span1–2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderColeoptera
- FamilyCarabidae
- GenusHarpalus
- SpeciesHarpalus pensylvanicus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Look Near Lights: Observe adults as they gather around outdoor lights on warm summer nights.
- Check Leaf Litter: Look under rocks, logs, and garden mulch where adults rest during the day.
Competitor (c) nevwright, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member (c) David Hill, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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