Amara bifrons
This record describes Amara bifrons (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

images: ▢ ▪ ▢ ▪ ▢ earliest record in our area: NS 1929
Identification notes
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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
sand/gravel pits, pastures, meadows, vacant lots, roadsides, usually on dry sandy soils
Geographic Range
native to, and widespread across Europe, adventive in NA (NF‒QC‒MA) ( 5 )
Seasonal Activity
autumn breeder
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amara bifrons (Gyllenhal 1810)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amara bifrons. 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 bifrons (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Amara bifrons
What is Amara bifrons?
Amara bifrons is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Amara bifrons?
5.2‒7.2 mm
How do you identify Amara bifrons?
images: ▢ ▪ ▢ ▪ ▢
Where is Amara bifrons found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | sand/gravel pits, pastures, meadows, vacant lots, roadsides, usually on dry sandy soils |
| Range | native to, and widespread across Europe, adventive in NA (NF‒QC‒MA) ( 5 ) |
When is Amara bifrons active?
Amara bifrons: seasonal activity - autumn breeder.
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