American Round Sand Beetle
Omophron americanum
This record describes Omophron americanum (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
color pattern variable; 15-striate elytron, V-shaped pale area on the frons, punctate metasternum and two setae on the mesocoxa make it easy to distinguish ( 3 ) the most common and widespread Omophron in NA ( 6 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Omophroninae
- Tribe
- Omophronini
- Genus
- Omophron (Round Sand Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
immediate vicinity of water on bare or sparsely vegetated sandy substrates, sometimes saline, at 260-2,200 m altitudes
Geographic Range
e. NA to Rockies (NF-AB to n.FL-AZ), Mex. - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Seasonal Activity
Adults Apr-Dec; copulating pairs, Apr-May; gravid females, May-Jun; teneral adults, Jul-Sep
Diet and Behavior
Life History
nocturnal, adults take cover during the day in burrows dug in the ground; adults are gregarious, often come to lights; they also stridulate
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Omophron americanum Dejean 1831
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Omophron americanum. 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 American Round Sand Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Chris Wirth , Bbarnd , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About American Round Sand Beetle
What is American Round Sand Beetle?
American Round Sand Beetle (Omophron americanum) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is American Round Sand Beetle?
5.1-7.0 mm
How do you identify American Round Sand Beetle?
color pattern variable; 15-striate elytron, V-shaped pale area on the frons, punctate metasternum and two setae on the mesocoxa make it easy to distinguish ( 3 )
Where is American Round Sand Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | immediate vicinity of water on bare or sparsely vegetated sandy substrates, sometimes saline, at 260-2,200 m altitudes |
| Range | e. NA to Rockies (NF-AB to n.FL-AZ), Mex. - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) |
When is American Round Sand Beetle active?
American Round Sand Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults Apr-Dec; copulating pairs, Apr-May; gravid females, May-Jun; teneral adults, Jul-Sep.
What is the life cycle of a American Round Sand Beetle?
nocturnal, adults take cover during the day in burrows dug in the ground; adults are gregarious, often come to lights; they also stridulate