Instructions
Observe the beetle's characteristics. Jot down the beetle's color, size, markings, number of legs, lack of legs and the location where the beetle was discovered. It will come in handy as you try to identify the mysterious black beetle.
Visit the reference section of a Kentucky library. Ask a reference librarian to help you find insect reference materials. Some libraries maintain special collection reference materials with pictures of native Kentucky insects, including caterpillars, spiders and beetles. Browse through the pictures to help you narrow down the beetle's identity.
Access the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture's insect identification website. Click the "Beneficial Insects" and "Pests" tabs to view pictures of native Kentucky beetles. Although this isn't a complete identification site, it does display helpful information and pictures of black beetles. Alternatively, browse through "Kentucky Critter Files" section of the entomology department's Web page to view pictures of black or mixed-color black beetles. Although it's possible to identify beetles based on pictures alone, if you need positive insect identification for medical reasons or to get rid of pesky beetles in your garden, there are resources available in the community to assist you.
Visit a local cooperative extension service office to pick up an insect identification form. Include your name, phone number, address, the location where the beetle was found, how long its been in the area and any notes regarding damage to crops or building structures. If the black beetle caused damage to a specific plant, include a sample for inspection.
Put the black beetle in a small plastic pill bottle or film canister and place the container in a mailing tube. Include about two or three small sheets of paper to prevent the container from moving around inside the tube. Add a piece of tape around the lid of the mailing tube.
Take or send the beetle, along with the insect identification form, to your local cooperative extension service office to:
Department of Entomology
S225 Agric. Sci. Bldg. North
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
How to Identify Black Beetles in Kentucky
The task of determining the identity of a black beetle you have spotted eating your plants or crawling through your garden can be challenging if you are unaware of insect identification-related resources in Kentucky. If you're curious about the peculiar black beetle, to increase your chances of successfully identifying the creature, use insect identification resources online and in your local community.