Amara ovata

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Description

One of the many similar Amara beetles, this one is around 9mm and is all black, often with a green/brassy reflection. It differs from the similar A. similis by having all black legs. The pronotum is as wide as the elytra and has evenly rounded sides. The foveae (depressions) on the pronotum are shallow and unpunctured.

Identification difficulty

Identification aids

8 - 9.5mm
antennal segments 1-3 pale
scutellary stria and pore present
legs all dark
base of pronotum unpunctured
pore at hind corner of the pronotum separated from side margin by twice its diameter or less

Habitat

This species favours open, dry areas such as fields and gardens

When to see it

Most often seen between late spring and summer

UK Status

Very common throughout Britain

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 22 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.