The imaged displayed to the right is of the family and species Carabidae.

This Carabidae was found on October 21st, on a hot and sunny day, hidden in a rotting log. Ground beetles are nocturnal predators and exhibit a variety of different behaviors, including foraging for prey. This species is known for its long, jointed, and slender legs, which give it their natural ability to quickly escape danger. Carabidae can be found in a plethora of different environments, such as agricultural fields, forests, grasslands, and gardens. Ground beetle thrive in atmospheres where decaying material, leaf litter, and soil are abundant. Carabidae are particularly sensitive to environmental changes, so they require ecosystems that have ample ground cover.

Ground Beetle larva are considered pests because of the high diet competition rate and rapid reproduction. In agricultural landscapes, such as gardens and fields, many beetles tend to compete with beneficial insects and prey on plants. As mentioned earlier, ground beetles are opportunistic feeders, targeting aphids and caterpillars. While this species can be helpful in controlling pest populations it can lead to significant competition with other natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings. This competition can disrupt the balance of agricultural gardens or fields, as ground beetles are likely to outcompete beneficial insects for food resources. Additionally, the Carabidae is known for its quick reproduction, which further contributes to issues with infesttaions and ecosystem equilibrium.