How to Identify a Large Black Insect Beetle in Southwest Florida

Inspect the organism in question. Several attributes will distinguish a beetle from other small creatures or insects. The creature will have six legs, three on each side. It should have a definite head and body with a pronotum, a hard covering on top of the beetle's middle section, either in between the head and body or slightly overlapping. The beetle will usually be round from an aerial viewpoint and will be covered in a hard, shell-like, shiny exterior.

Measure the beetle. This does not need to be done with a ruler or tape measure; a rough approximation should suffice. A large beetle is usually about 2 to 3 inches long, while a smaller beetle is only a half inch to an inch. The length is determined by measuring the tip of the head to the bottom of the beetle's wing.

Identify characteristics. A book, website or professional assistance may help. ENature.com identifies 18 beetles specific to southwest Florida, plus many more spread throughout the southeastern United States, such as the black turpentine beetle. This beetle has clubbed antennae, a convex head and convex wings. These are examples of characteristics that distinguish this beetle from others. Other characteristics may include colorful stripes, variations in leg length and form, and variations in head formation.