Tiger Beetles
Cicindelinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Adephaga
- Family: Carabidae
- Subfamily: Cicindelinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cicindelinae: //sɪˌsɪndəˈlaɪniː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Tiger beetles, belonging to the family Cicindelidae, are fast and aggressive predators known for their running speed and distinctive morphology. They inhabit open land and are noted for their ecological importance as indicators of environmental health.
Physical Characteristics
Tiger beetles have large bulging eyes, long slender legs, and large curved mandibles. They typically range in size from 7-70 mm in length, with variations between species, especially in the genera.
Identification Tips
Look for bright colors in Cicindela species and more uniform black coloration in genera such as Amblycheila and Manticora. Presence of S-shaped larvae in burrows and the distinctive hump on the larval fifth abdominal segment can help in identification.
Habitat
Tiger beetles are primarily found in open habitats such as stream edges, seashores, dirt roads, and sand dunes. Adult larvae typically inhabit the same environment as adults.
Distribution
Worldwide, with a most significant diversity in the Oriental (Indo-Malayan) region followed by the Neotropics.
Diet
Both larvae and adults are predatory, primarily feeding on other arthropods.
Life Cycle
Tiger beetles exhibit two life cycle patterns: adults are usually diurnal, while others may be nocturnal. Larvae go through three instars and typically complete their life cycle in 2-3 years, depending on environmental conditions.
Reproduction
Females select specific oviposition sites, excavating small holes to deposit eggs. The larvae construct burrows and go through distinct growth stages.
Predators
Numerous, including wingless parasitic wasps of the genus Methocha, which lay eggs on larvae.
Conservation Status
Three US species are endangered (Cicindela ohlone, C. floridana, and Ellipsoptera nevadica lincolniana) and two threatened (Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis and E. puritana).
Ecosystem Role
Tiger beetles are good indicator species and are important in ecological studies regarding biodiversity.
Evolution
Historically treated as a subfamily of ground beetles (Carabidae), recent studies indicate they should be treated as a separate family (Cicindelidae), sister to Carabidae within the Adephaga.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some may confuse tiger beetles with other ground beetles or assume that all tiger beetles have similar habitats and behaviors, which varies significantly among genera.
Tags
- Tiger Beetles
- Cicindelidae
- Ecology
- Morphology
- Predatory Insects