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

Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Harpalini
- Genus
- Amphasia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
open places: fields, orchards, pastures, sand/gravel pits, usually on dry sandy soils
Geographic Range
e.NA (NB‒FL Panhandle to SK‒TX)
Seasonal Activity
adults in spring and summer
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amphasia sericea (Harris 1828)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amphasia sericea. 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 Amphasia sericea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Amphasia sericea
How big is Amphasia sericea?
8.8‒11.0 mm
Where is Amphasia sericea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | open places: fields, orchards, pastures, sand/gravel pits, usually on dry sandy soils |
| Range | e.NA (NB‒FL Panhandle to SK‒TX) |
When is Amphasia sericea active?
Amphasia sericea: seasonal activity - adults in spring and summer.
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