Have you ever wondered about those shiny, metallic colored beetles that you often see rushing here and there in fields? What you are probably seeing is a ground beetle. Don't stomp on it, this is one of the good guys!

More than 800 species of ground beetles have been identified in Canada. They run quickly but rarely fly. If you want to see some, check around your yard light or near brightly-lit windows. At this time of year they are attracted to lights at night. Ground beetles come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Most are black, brown or metallic blue and green.

The more brightly colored beetles are predators of caterpillar and weevils. The smaller beetles attack insect eggs, smaller caterpillars, other insect pests and slugs. Some ground beetles also feed on weed seeds, helping to reduce the seed bank. There are a few that do feed on crop seedlings in early spring but the majority of species are beneficial.

Most ground beetles hide during the day under rocks, loose soil, crop residue, leaves and bark. The larvae live in the soil and are also beneficial predators of pest insects. Reduced till systems and crop management, like cover crops, no till and varied crop rotations that result in more organic matter and crop residues returning to the soil help to create an attractive habitat for these helpful beetles.

(Source: The all Ontario Berry Grower, September 2000)