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Identify large black beetle #884224

Asked September 05, 2024, 5:41 PM EDT

I have recently seen large black beetles in the house and in the driveway. I don't have a photo.  It was about one inch long and had multiple legs. Looks like it had a hard shell.  I live in southeast Denver. Any idea what it is and whether it is harmful? Thank you.

Denver County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Pam,

The description you've provided matches that of a ground beetle (Carabidae), blister beetle (Meloidae), darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae), or longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae). If you have more details, I may be able to provide a more specific ID. Regardless, these beetles are mostly harmless. Blister beetles can be harmful if they are crushed and their body fluids get on you, but they're not harmful from just being around. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 06, 2024, 5:34 PM EDT

Consider perusing this page to see if anything looks familiar:

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=205&taxon_id=47208&view=species

An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 06, 2024, 5:38 PM EDT

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