πŸͺ² Beetles

Black Clock Beetle

Pterostichus madidus

About Black Clock Beetle

A common nocturnal ground beetle found throughout European gardens and farmland. It is jet black and a voracious predator of slugs and pest insects.

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Did You Know?

Gardeners consider it one of the most beneficial beetles because a single individual can eat its body weight in slug eggs every night.

How to Identify Black Clock Beetle

Black Clock Beetle (Pterostichus madidus) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Carabidae. Adults typically measure 14-18 mm.

Black Clock Beetle Habitat

Black Clock Beetle is found in gardens habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Black Clock Beetle Diet and Feeding

Black Clock Beetle is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.

Where Is Black Clock Beetle Found?

Black Clock Beetle can be found in Europe, where it inhabits gardens environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Black Clock Beetle can be found

Is Black Clock Beetle Dangerous?

Black Clock Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Black Clock Beetle Role in Nature

Black Clock Beetle serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Clock Beetle

What does Black Clock Beetle look like?

The Black Clock Beetle typically measures 14-18 mm.

Where is Black Clock Beetle found?

The Black Clock Beetle is found in Europe and typically inhabits gardens environments.

What does Black Clock Beetle eat?

The Black Clock Beetle is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.

Is Black Clock Beetle dangerous to humans?

The Black Clock Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Black Clock Beetle?

Gardeners consider it one of the most beneficial beetles because a single individual can eat its body weight in slug eggs every night.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Black Clock Beetle (Pterostichus madidus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-clock-beetle

MLA:
"Black Clock Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-clock-beetle.