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Common Black Beetles in Kentucky

There are thousands of beetle species in Kentucky. One characteristic of all beetles is the elytra (the hard protective shell on the wing). Other characteristics are the beetle's chewing mouth part and the four phases of metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa and adult) it undergoes. While all beetles share some characteristics, there are other characteristics such as diet, habitat and anatomy that separate the different species of black beetles in Kentucky.

Ground Beetles
- Kentucky has over 1700 species of ground beetle, many looking very similar.
  
  Ground beetles have long, slender legs and a head larger than the body. However, ground beetles are poor climbers and stay hidden under rocks, logs and fallen branches eating insects and spiders at night. With only a few species of ground beetles being herbivores, they are not considered pests by farmers. And, despite the family they belong to, some species of ground beetles can fly. Some common black beetle species in Kentucky are the woodland ground and big-headed ground beetles.
Tiger Beetles
- Tiger beetles are swift fliers and can be seen in open areas such as paths in forest.
  
  Tiger beetles have a unique overlapping, sickle-shaped jaw, unlike the symmetric and flush fitting jaw of the ground beetle species. Tiger beetles live and reproduce in sandy soil conditions, and both the adult and larvae are predators that feed on insects and spiders. In order to feed, tiger beetles construct tunnels in dry soil and pounce on ants and other insects that pass. Although most are metallic colors of green, orange and copper, the six-spotted tiger beetle is dark brown to black.
Stag Beetles
- Stag beetles use their antlers to fight with just like rams and deer.
  
  Stag beetles live in fallen hardwood trees and lay their eggs in rotting logs and under loose bark. This family of beetles claims the famous elephant stag beetle, which can be recognized by its huge branching mandibles that resemble the antlers of a stag. These mandibles can grow to lengths of up to half the beetle's body size. The elephant stag beetle's body can reach up to 60 mm in length with colors from a dark reddish brown to near black. Despite the vicious look of the stag beetle, it is harmless to humans and only capable of delivering a slight pinch
Soldier Beetles
- The heads of soldier beetles are not covered by the pronotum like lightning bugs.
  
  Soldier beetles are yellow and black or black with orange markings with long straight antenna. They are close relatives of the lightning bug and can be mistaken for it at a distance. Soldier beetles have softer elytra than most other beetles and live near the ground under rocks and logs, making it easy to prey on insects, slugs, and snails.

Insects & Science