Amara lacustris
This record describes Amara lacustris (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Holotype
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
fields, grasslands, vicinity of lakes, usually on rather dry, clayish soils
Geographic Range
northern transcontinental: NS‒NU‒AK south to MI‒SD‒CO‒nw.WA
Seasonal Activity
autumn breeder
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amara lacustris LeConte 1855
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amara lacustris. 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 lacustris (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Amara lacustris
How big is Amara lacustris?
10.6‒12.8 mm
How do you identify Amara lacustris?
Holotype
Where is Amara lacustris found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | fields, grasslands, vicinity of lakes, usually on rather dry, clayish soils |
| Range | northern transcontinental: NS‒NU‒AK south to MI‒SD‒CO‒nw.WA |
When is Amara lacustris active?
Amara lacustris: seasonal activity - autumn breeder.