ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles

Amara quenseli

This record describes Amara quenseli (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Amara quenseli - Amara quenseli
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov

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

gravel/sand pits, pastures, meadows, fields, roadsides, usually on rather dry sandy soils

Geographic Range

Holarctic, incl. most of NA (NF‒AK south to NC‒OK‒n.NM‒CA)

Seasonal Activity

autumn breeder

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Amara quenseli (Schönherr 1806)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amara quenseli. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Amara quenseli (5)

Amara quenseli - photo 1
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Amara quenseli - photo 2
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Amara quenseli - photo 3
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Amara quenseli - photo 4
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Amara quenseli - photo 5
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Amara quenseli

How big is Amara quenseli?

5.2‒8.4 mm (usually <8 mm)

Where is Amara quenseli found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatgravel/sand pits, pastures, meadows, fields, roadsides, usually on rather dry sandy soils
RangeHolarctic, incl. most of NA (NF‒AK south to NC‒OK‒n.NM‒CA)
When is Amara quenseli active?

Amara quenseli: seasonal activity - autumn breeder.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.