Clusters of the small black carabid beetle have been spotted in South Central Texas.
Insects tend to have population ups and downs–sometimes it is beetles and sometimes it is crickets. Also, insects are grouped in three general classes: beneficial, non-beneficial and neutral. Carabid beetles are in the “beneficial” category and pose no medical, health or sanitation-related threat to humans and serve as food for other animals in the ecosystem, such as birds, according to AgriLife Today.
The beetle feeds on other insects, is a ground forager, and seems to be attracted to light-colored buildings, but tend to remain outdoors.
Carabid beetles have been spotted throughout San Antonio, Bexar County, and as far north as San Marcos. South Central Texans can expect additional increases in insect activity in upcoming weeks.