Shiny Round Sand Beetle
Omophron nitidum
This record describes Omophron nitidum (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Nocturnal; adults take cover during the day in burrows dug in the ground, or in leaf litter. Adults are gregarious; often come to lights. ( 3 )
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
Geographic Range
c. US (nw.IN-MN-NE to AL–TX) - Map , most records sc.US
Seasonal Activity
Adults: Mar-Dec ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Omophron nitidum LeConte 1848
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Omophron nitidum. 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 Shiny Round Sand Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Shiny Round Sand Beetle
What is Shiny Round Sand Beetle?
Shiny Round Sand Beetle (Omophron nitidum) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Shiny Round Sand Beetle found?
Range: c. US (nw.IN-MN-NE to AL–TX) - Map , most records sc.US
When is Shiny Round Sand Beetle active?
Shiny Round Sand Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults: Mar-Dec ( 3 ).