Agra (beetle)

Agra is a genus of ground beetles belonging to the family Carabidae. They are found predominantly in the tropical regions of Central and South America, with a high diversity of species. Agra beetles are characterized by their slender, elongated bodies, often with striking metallic coloration, which can include hues of green, blue, bronze, and purple.

These beetles are generally arboreal, inhabiting the rainforest canopy and often associated with specific host plants. The larvae of some Agra species are known to be leaf miners, feeding within the leaves of their host plants. Adults are typically predatory, feeding on other insects and small invertebrates.

The taxonomy of Agra is complex, with numerous species described, and new species are still being discovered. The genus has been the subject of considerable taxonomic revision, and the relationships among different species are not always fully resolved. Due to their specialized ecological niches and dependence on rainforest habitats, some Agra species are vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation.