Instructions
Confirm the color of the beetle. This is an important aspect to beetle identification, as beetles come in many different color variations. If possible, hold the beetle up to the sun and tilt it back and forth to make sure its shell is actually black rather than green, blue or purple.
Record the exact size and shape of a beetle. Like all animals, beetles have specific sizes and shapes that identify them.
Record other physical characteristics like antennae, pincers, spines and legs. These characteristics are all important identifiers.
Confirm where the beetle lives, if you can. Black beetles are usually ground dwellers and may possibly live in trees. Look for infestations of the beetles, or record where you find this beetle and where you have seen it before.
Do a web search for photographs of beetles and compare the pictures to your findings to identify your beetle.
How to Identify a Black Scarab Shaped Beetle
Although most beetles are harmless to people, they do feed on plants and can damage both flower and vegetable gardens, along with any fruit trees in the area. If you find beetles, identify them so you can determine whether you need to get rid of them.