Crane flies do not bite man. Carabidae Ground beetles are the second largest family of beetles in North America. They may vary in size, but most are dark, shiny, and somewhat flattened, with striate elytra. These are the thickened, leathery, or horny front wings. The adults are commonly found under stones, logs, leaves, bark, debris, or running about on the ground.
Most species hide during the day, feed at night, and commonly fly to lights.
Adults and larvae are nearly always predaceous on other insects, and many are very beneficial. The larvae usually live in the same locations as the adults. Many ground beetles give off an unpleasant odor when handled. Brachinus species are called bombardier beetles because of their habit of ejecting from the anus a glandular secretion that literally explodes when released, producing a popping sound. This secretion is foul-smelling and irritating, and serves as a means of protection.