[5] Scarites subterraneus, as its scientific name suggests, spends much of its time burrowing and hiding under logs, rocks, soil and leaf litter.

They are frequently encountered in residential areas, urban and rural alike.

Scarites subterraneus spends the day hiding under safe places (such as the aforementioned logs, rocks, and leaf litter) and comes out at night in search of prey.

[7] When startled, the beetles stiffen up, tuck in their limbs, and play dead.

[5] Predators of Scarites subterraneus are not very well studied, but American Robins, Eastern Bluebirds, Hermit Thrush, and Northern Cardinals have been observed consuming them.