ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles

Amara torrida

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

Identification and Appearance

Amara torrida - Amara torrida
Contributed by Tim Loh; 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

meadows, moraines, vacant lots, cultivated fields, roadsides; usually on rather dry soils

Geographic Range

circumpolar (boreal, arctic, alpine): NF‒AK south to NH‒MN‒n.CO (along the Rocky Mts.) & across n.Eurasia

Seasonal Activity

autumn breeder

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Amara torrida (Panzer 1796)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amara torrida. 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 torrida (2)

Amara torrida - photo 1
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Amara torrida - photo 2
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Amara torrida

How big is Amara torrida?

9.0‒11.2 mm

Where is Amara torrida found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatmeadows, moraines, vacant lots, cultivated fields, roadsides; usually on rather dry soils
Rangecircumpolar (boreal, arctic, alpine): NF‒AK south to NH‒MN‒n.CO (along the Rocky Mts.) & across n.Eurasia
When is Amara torrida active?

Amara torrida: seasonal activity - autumn breeder.

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

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