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Kinds of Small Black Beetles

Beetles are one of the most abundant and diverse groups of insects on the planet; it is estimated that half of all living species on the planet are beetles, according to entomologists at the University of California, Berkeley. Beetles go through a complete metamorphosis in their development which includes stages as an egg, larva, pupa and adult. Beetles have several adaptations that help them survive, but one of the most significant is their modified front wing -- called an elytra -- which functions as a hard shield and helps protect their wings and abdomen from damage. While beetles come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, there are several groups of beetles that are small and black.

Ground Beetles
- Ground beetles are one of the most abundant groups of beetles in North America with more than 2,200 named species in the United States. As their common name suggests, ground beetles are terrestrial beetles that spend the majority of their time under rocks, leaf litter or logs during the day. At night the beetles emerge and hunt soft-bodied insects such as snails, caterpillars and slugs, making them a highly beneficial insect to have in home gardens.
Darkling Beetles
- Darkling beetles stand out from other small black beetles due to their distinctive defence mechanism. When threatened, darkling beetles stand on their head with their abdomen in the air and release a spray of noxious odors from their scent gland. The spray deters potential predators and allows the beetle to escape. Darkling beetles feed primarily on dead and decaying plant matter, providing a valuable ecosystem service as decomposers. However, some species feed on new plant growth and are considered pests.
Carpet Beetles
- Carpet beetles are small black beetles that are commonly found in indoor living environments. Carpet beetles are referred to as dermestid beetles and feed primarily on dead and decaying animal products such as wool, leather, silk and fur. In homes, the beetles are often found in carpets feeding on hair, skin and lint that fall onto the floor. Regular cleaning of animal-based clothing as well as vacuuming carpets is the best way to manage carpet beetles in your home.
Wood-Boring Beetles
- Wood-boring beetles cause damage to trees and building materials through their means of reproduction. Wood-borers lay eggs on the underside of tree bark. When the larvae hatch, they bore into the heart of the tree where they undergo metamorphosis before emerging as adults. The length of time before metamorphosis and damage caused by larvae varies greatly by species. Most species of wood-boring beetles are less than 1 inch long and black.

Animals & Science