Pennsylvania Ground Beetle vs Eastern Forktail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pennsylvania Ground Beetle Eastern Forktail
Scientific Name Harpalus pensylvanicus Ischnura verticalis
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Carabidae Coenagrionidae
Size 13-17 mm 21-33 mm
Habitat Farmland Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pennsylvania Ground Beetle

One of the most common ground beetles in North American croplands. It is an omnivorous species that feeds on both seeds and small insects.

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Did You Know?

Studies show it can consume enough weed seeds to significantly reduce weed emergence in crop fields.

Eastern Forktail

A small damselfly where males are green and black with a blue tail tip. Young females are bright orange but turn olive-grey with age.

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Did You Know?

Young females are striking bright orange, a color they lose completely as they mature.