Amara alpina
This record describes Amara alpina (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Amara alpina is a species of beetle of the genus Amara in the family Carabidae. It is native to northern parts of Europe and Asia. It was first described by the Swedish entomologist Gustaf von Paykull in 1790.
Wikipedia reference for Amara alpina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amara alpina.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Zabrini
- Genus
- Amara
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
moraines, vacant lots, meadows, usually on dry, sandy soils
Geographic Range
Holarctic: n.NA (NF‒AK to n.NM along the Rocky Mts.; isolated on Shickshock Mts. in Gaspe Peninsula and some mts in New England) & N. Eurasia (Britain to Pacific Coast); ranges farther north in NA than any other carabid
Seasonal Activity
autumn breeder
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amara alpina (Paykull 1790)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amara alpina. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Amara alpina (3)
Photo credits: (c) Loïs Rancilhac, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Loïs Rancilhac | (c) Hubert Szczygieł, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Hubert Szczygieł | (c) Oliver Burrus, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by Oliver Burrus | Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Amara alpina
What is Amara alpina?
Amara alpina is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Amara alpina?
7.3‒11.5 mm
Where is Amara alpina found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | moraines, vacant lots, meadows, usually on dry, sandy soils |
| Range | Holarctic: n.NA (NF‒AK to n.NM along the Rocky Mts.; isolated on Shickshock Mts. in Gaspe Peninsula and some mts in New England) & N. Eurasia (Britain to Pacific Coast); ranges farther north in NA than any other carabid |
When is Amara alpina active?
Amara alpina: seasonal activity - autumn breeder.