Fireflies are one of the nocturnal feeding insects you probably see the most. Gardeners can encourage these nocturnal beneficials with several easy steps: Your email address will not be published. Most run along the ground, but they sometimes climb up trees seeking the caterpillars and other insects they eat. Dung beetles have compound eyes that allow them to see during the … The adults run down prey insects, snatching them with their strong jaws. Figeaters are the most widespread beetle in their subgroup. Fluttering flight takes them to food and egg-laying sites. In most areas you'll see an abundance of small to intermediate-size moths in rather nondescript browns and grays; these are adults of inchworms and cutworms. Bed bugs are insects from the genus Cimex that feed on human blood, usually at night. Perhaps the best chance of encountering ground beetles comes when homeowners flip over rocks or lift up planters during the day: The small, dark-colored beetles scurrying away from the bright sun are likely to be some type of local ground beetle. Female mosquitoes need a blood meal to lay eggs. Most run along the ground, but they sometimes climb up trees seeking the caterpillars and other insects they eat. As the larvae grow, they shed their skin a number of times until they are large enough to pupate. Ground beetles are usually black or brown, often shiny, and often have lengthwise grooves on the elytra. The reason you likely won't see a live one is that they are both nocturnal and extremely fast, adapted to hunting, killing and eating other insects. Nocturnal insects are food for many other animals, such as bats, nighthawks, scorpions, rodents and owls. Find local MDC conservation agents, consultants, education specialists, and regional offices. Bronzed Tiger Beetle (Common Shore Tiger Beetle). Carolyn Csanyi began writing in 1973, specializing in topics related to plants, insects and southwestern ecology. Their bites can result in a number of health impacts including skin rashes, psychological effects, and allergic symptoms. They fly to find a host, including birds such as herons, robins and house sparrows, and mammals such as livestock and humans. If you overturn a rock or log, you will probably see a few ground beetles rushing away. They will feed on humans and their pets. The long-legged adults are harmless, although many people think they are giant mosquitoes. The life cycles of this large family of beetles are as diverse as the beetles themselves. Many are nocturnal and hide in dark places during the day.