Pests Beneficial Organisms Insect-Transmitted Diseases Management Options Other Resources Contact a Specialist Ground Beetles — Carabidae "Ground beetle" is the common name used for members of the family Carabidae; the name "carabid" is sometimes also used. These beetles are mostly predators. A few species are consistently seen in potato fields in the Columbia Basin, while the species in potato fields west of the Cascades and at the higher elevations in Idaho are not as well known. Biology As the name implies, ground beetles spend most of their time on the ground. They feed primarily on other insects.   In potatoes, ground beetles can be very common under the canopy. They feed on insects that fall from the canopy or that are living in the decomposing leaves.   Bembidion beetles are commonly seen scurrying along open patches of soil during the day. They can be very abundant.   Other species in the genera Harpalus and Amara can also be common, expecially in organic fields or conventional fields with a soft insecticide program.   Larvae of ground beetles live in the soil and are predators of soil dwelling arthopods. They likely feed on larvae and pupae of pest insects such as cutworm caterpillars and tuberworm. Harpalus species — these beetles often have orange-ish legs. They are slightly bigger than Amara (see below).   Bembidion species. This one is about 3/4 as large as the one to the right. Bembidion species usually have golden markings. Bembidion species on penny for size reference.     Amara species. These beetles are sometimes very shiny or appear metallic. Amara species on penny for size reference.   Similar Beetles   Darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) walk about on the ground and are often confused with ground beetles. They are mostly scavengers as adults. Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) can also be common under the potato canopy. These are also predators as both adults and larvae.