Seed-Eating Ground Beetle

Description:

This metallic copper beetle was running across the ground and wasn't stopping! It's oval with ridged elytra. "Medium-sized, usually oval beetles, many with coppery reflection, though some are black or brown. Typically encountered running about in the open. Most fully winged (macropterous). Species-level identification is difficult, even with technical keys." - BugGuide

Habitat:

Rocks and dirt near Asparagus fern in dry area of backyard. "Commonly found on wet sand/mud or beneath logs or rocks in damp areas, though tend to favor dry open areas in these habitats" - BugGuide

Notes:

"Most feed on seeds; a few (e.g., A. obesa), on grasshopper eggs" - BugGuide. Aka Sun Beetle. "They are herbivorous and used as weed control agents." - Wikipedia