Smooth-winged Sun Beetle
Amara laevipennis
This record describes Amara laevipennis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Amara laevipennis is a species of seed-eating ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Amara laevipennis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amara laevipennis.
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, roadsides, sand/gravel pits, forest edges/clearings, usually on dry sandy soils
Geographic Range
boreal & western montane: NF-AK south to MA-SD-ne.NM-sw.CA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amara laevipennis Kirby 1837
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amara laevipennis. 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 Smooth-winged Sun Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Smooth-winged Sun Beetle
What is Smooth-winged Sun Beetle?
Smooth-winged Sun Beetle (Amara laevipennis) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Smooth-winged Sun Beetle?
5.8-7.1 mm
Where is Smooth-winged Sun Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | fields, roadsides, sand/gravel pits, forest edges/clearings, usually on dry sandy soils |
| Range | boreal & western montane: NF-AK south to MA-SD-ne.NM-sw.CA |