This beetle is often found walking around on the ground, or else under the protection of a log or dead leaves. It lives in dry open woodlands, cultivated fields or prairies. It is commonly found under logs, boards and other objects, including in gardens and around the edges of agricultural fields, where they are predators on caterpillars and other insects. Their occurrence at Fontenelle Nature Center is not known. This photo was taken in the wetlands parking lot.

These beetles are beneficial for killing many other kinds of insects. Scarites beetles have a resemblance to stag beetles. They often play dead when bothered.