Amara
Amara
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Adephaga
- Family: Carabidae
- Subfamily: Harpalinae
- Supertribe: Pterostichitae
- Tribe: Zabrini
- Genus: Amara
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Amara: /əˈmɑːrə/
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Images
Summary
Amara is a genus of carabid beetles with around 105 species in North America and ~600 worldwide, known for their ecological habitats ranging from wet to arid areas, mainly feeding on seeds.
Physical Characteristics
Size: 5–11 mm, usually 6–9 mm; elytron with striae and punctures depending on species.
Identification Tips
Species identification can be complex, often utilizing habitus photos of various species and specific characteristics such as the protibial spur and pronotum shape.
Habitat
Commonly found in wet sand or mud, under logs or rocks in damp areas; prefers dry open areas within these habitats.
Distribution
Mostly Holarctic, across North America and widespread in regions with many species globally.
Diet
Most species feed on seeds; some, like A. obesa, feed on grasshopper eggs.
Life Cycle
Some species overwinter as adults, although specifics on the overall life cycle are not detailed.
Tags
- genus
- beetle
- carabidae
- Amara
- insect