Amara aenea

(De Geer, 1774)

Common Sun Beetle

Amara aenea, commonly known as the common sun , is a ground beetle in the Carabidae. It occurs across almost all of Europe and Northern Asia, with its range extending into parts of Northern Africa. are predatory, feeding on insects including agricultural pests such as apple maggot and soybean aphid. The species has been studied for potential use in programs.

Firminus ciliatus (cropped) by Amara aenea. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Punta Layout 2018 by Amara aenea. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Holochelus Fraxinicola by Amara aenea. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Amara aenea: /əˈmɑːrə əˈniːə/

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Images

Distribution

Europe (widespread), Northern Asia, and parts of Northern Africa. Distribution records include the Azores islands: Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, and Pico.

Diet

are that consume other insects, including apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella) and soybean aphid (Aphis glycines). Larvae are . Adults have also been observed feeding on developing seeds of Poa trivialis and Poa pratensis.

Ecological Role

of agricultural pest insects. Under study for use in to reduce reliance on .

Human Relevance

Studied as a potential agent for in agriculture, particularly for control of apple maggot and soybean aphid.