5 Types Of Beetles In Ontario (2024)

Beetles are an incredibly diverse group of insects found all over the world. Ontario is home to over 330 species of beetles, making it one of the most diverse beetle habitats in Canada. These beetles come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours and behaviours, making them an incredibly interesting group of insects to study.

Here are the 5 types of beetles in Ontario; Ground beetle, lady beetle, Click beetle, Darkling beetles and Fireflies. Let us take a look at the different types of beetles found in Ontario, exploring their unique characteristics and habitats.

5 Types Of Beetles In Ontario

1. Ground Beetles

Ground beetles are a type of beetle in Ontario. They are usually dark brown or black in colour and range in size from 1/4 to 1 inch in length. Ground beetles have long, slender bodies with six legs and two hard, protective wings that cover their backs. They have large eyes and long antennae.

Ground beetles are nocturnal and are most active at night. They feed on a variety of insects and invertebrates, including caterpillars, aphids, and maggots. They are important predators in the garden, helping to keep the insect population in check.

Ground beetles are found in most habitats, including gardens, fields, and woodlands. They prefer areas with loose, moist soil, where they can burrow and hide. During the day, they can be found under rocks, logs, and other objects.

Ground beetles are beneficial to have in gardens as they help to control pest populations. They can be attracted to gardens by planting native plants and flowers that produce nectar or providing food and shelter for ground beetles.

Ground beetles can easily become nuisance pests if there is an overabundance of them. They can damage vegetation if their populations get too large, and they may bite if handled or threatened. To reduce the population, remove any potential shelter or food sources, such as piles of debris or rotting vegetation. You can also handpick individuals from the garden and release them elsewhere.

2. Lady Beetles

Lady Beetles, also known as Ladybugs, are one of the most common types of beetles in Ontario. Lady Beetles are small, brightly coloured beetles that feed on aphids, mites, and other small insects. They are beneficial to gardeners and farmers, as they help to keep insect populations in check.

Lady Beetles are typically red or orange with black spots, although they can range in colour from yellow to black. Their size varies by species, with some as small as 2 millimetres and others as large as 19 millimetres. Lady Beetles have a convex, oval-shaped body, short antennae, and short legs.

Lady Beetles can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, gardens, and forests. They are most active during the spring and summer months when they can be found in large numbers on flowers and foliage.

In the winter, Lady Beetles hibernate in groups, often under rocks or tree bark. This helps them survive the cold weather and ensures that their population remains strong for the next season.

Lady Beetles are an important part of Ontario’s ecosystem and play an important role in controlling insect populations. They are a welcome sight in gardens and farms, and their brightly coloured bodies make them a favourite of nature enthusiasts.

3. Click Beetles

Click Beetles are medium to large and have a distinctive clicking sound they make when disturbed. Click Beetles are generally dark brown or black and have smooth, shiny exoskeletons. They have long antennae and some species have a light-producing organ at the base of their antennae.

Click Beetles feed on plant material such as leaves, stems, and fruits. They are also known to feed on snails and slugs. Along with their feeding habits, Click Beetles are also known for their jumping ability. When disturbed, they will arch their backs and flick their body to propel themselves into the air. This movement can be so forceful, the Click Beetle can jump several inches in the air.

Click Beetles are found in a variety of habitats in Ontario, including woodlands, fields, gardens, and roadsides. They are most active during the warm summer months.

The larvae of Click Beetles, known as wireworms, are often a pest of crops such as corn and potatoes. They feed on the roots and underground parts of the plants, causing damage.

Click Beetles are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to control pests and providing food for other animals. They are also beneficial to humans, as they help keep the population of snails and slugs in check.

4. Darkling Beetles

Darkling Beetles, also known as black carpet beetles, are one of the most common types of beetles found in Ontario. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, gardens, and urban areas. They feed on a wide range of plant material, including dead and decaying plant matter, as well as other insects.

Darkling Beetles are small in size, typically ranging from 1-3 mm in length. They are oval or round, and dark brown or black. They have a flattened, hard body and six legs. They also have two long antennae and long legs.

The larvae of Darkling Beetles are also dark brown or black and can be found in soil, wood, and other organic material. They feed on dead plant material and other insects. The larvae can be difficult to detect, as they are small and live in dark areas.

Darkling Beetles are important in the environment, as they help to break down and recycle organic matter. They are also beneficial for farmers, as they can help to reduce the populations of other, more damaging pests.

Despite their beneficial nature, Darkling Beetles can become a nuisance when they enter homes and buildings. They can damage clothing and other fabrics and can be difficult to eradicate. If you suspect you have an infestation of Darkling Beetles, contact a professional pest control company for advice and assistance.

5. Fireflies

Fireflies are beetles in the family of Lampyridae. They are also known as lightning bugs for their conspicuous use of bioluminescence during twilight to attract mates or prey. Fireflies are found in most parts of the world, and there are several species of fireflies in Ontario.

The most common firefly in Ontario is the Big Dipper firefly (Photinus pyralis). It is recognizable by its long antennae and bright yellow-green body. This firefly is often seen around dusk in July and August, near wetlands and marshy areas.

The second most common species in Ontario is the Eastern Firefly (Photuris Pennsylvania). It is a small, dark-coloured firefly that can be seen in wooded areas in late May and June. This species is known for its courtship display, which involves flashing a pattern of yellow and green lights.

Other species of fireflies in Ontario include the Golden-Banded Skipper (Pyractomena angulata), the Spotted-Winged Firefly (Lampyridius sp.), and the Pink-Spotted Firefly (Lamprohiza splendidula). These species range in size and colour, but all produce a bioluminescent glow.

Fireflies are beneficial to the environment because they feed on soft-bodied insects that are harmful to crops and gardens. They are also a food source for bats, birds, and other predators.

Fireflies are threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution. To help protect fireflies, avoid using pesticides and reduce light pollution in your yard. Planting native flowers and shrubs can also help provide food and shelter for fireflies.

Related:

• 5 Types Of Bees In Ontario
• Types Of Ants In Ontario
• Types Of Apples In Ontario

Conclusion

Ontario is home to over 330 species of beetles, making it one of the most diverse beetle habitats in Canada. These beetles come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours and behaviours. Some of the most common types of beetles in Ontario are ground beetles, weevils, darkling beetles, fireflies, hister beetles, rove beetles, click beetles, and ladybugs.

Ground beetles are found in a variety of habitats and are typically black or brown. Weevils are small and often found in agricultural fields. Darkling beetles are found in wooded areas and are usually black or brown. Fireflies are active at night and are known for their ability to emit light. Hister beetles are small and black or brown and are commonly found in decaying wood.

Rove beetles are black or brown, often with yellow stripes. Click beetles have a distinctive clicking sound when they are disturbed. Ladybugs are easily recognizable by their bright red and black colouration and are beneficial insects for gardens.

Beetles are an incredibly diverse group of insects, and Ontario is home to an incredible variety of beetle species. These beetles come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours and behaviours, and each type of beetle has its unique characteristics and habitats. By understanding the different types of beetles found in Ontario, we can better appreciate and protect these amazing creatures.