Adult male and female ground beetles range in size from 0.15 cm to 3.0 cm in length. Their abdomens are egg-shaped to oval, or slender and long in appearance. The body is flattened with striations on the forewings (elytra). The color patterns of most ground beetles range from dark colored with gold flecks in the elytra to metallic and shiny. The legs can range from black to yellowish-red in color, and the antennae are dark colored. When disturbed some species emit a foul smelling odor. Ground beetle larvae have black to yellowish-red head capsules. Larvae are predaceous and are found in the soil, under bark, and under debris.

Many species of ground beetles are univoltine, which means the life cycle from egg to adult requires about one year. Adult beetles may live for two to three years. Females lay their eggs in the soil. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on prey above and below ground. Mature larvae will then pupate, and emerge as adults.

Ground beetles are night hunters that live under stones, logs, leaves, bark or other debris in a variety of habitats. These beetles typically hide during the day and are attracted to bright lights at night. Ground beetles feed on lawn and field crop pests (webworms, armyworms, cutworms, corn earworms, small mole crickets, etc.), and are found throughout the United States.

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