Blunt-lipped Tiger Beetles

Amblycheilini

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Amblycheilini: /ˌæm.blɪˈkaɪ.lɪ.naɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Amblycheila cylindriformis by Jean-Charles Chenu (1808-1879). Used under a Public domain license.
Great Plains Tiger Beetle (Amblycheila cylindriformis) (34611888840) by Insects Unlocked . Used under a CC0 license.
Amblycheila (10.3897-zookeys.893.47059) Figure 5 by Duran DP, Roman SJ (2019) A new petrophilous tiger beetle from the Trans-Pecos region of Texas and revised key to the genus Amblycheila (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Cicindelinae). ZooKeys 893: 125-134. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.893.47059. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Amblycheila (10.3897-zookeys.893.47059) Figure 5 by Duran DP, Roman SJ (2019) A new petrophilous tiger beetle from the Trans-Pecos region of Texas and revised key to the genus Amblycheila (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Cicindelinae). ZooKeys 893: 125-134. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.893.47059. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Amblycheila katzi (10.3897-zookeys.893.47059) Figure 2 by Duran DP, Roman SJ (2019) A new petrophilous tiger beetle from the Trans-Pecos region of Texas and revised key to the genus Amblycheila (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Cicindelinae). ZooKeys 893: 125-134. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.893.47059. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Amblycheila katzi (10.3897-zookeys.893.47059) Figure 1 by Duran DP, Roman SJ (2019) A new petrophilous tiger beetle from the Trans-Pecos region of Texas and revised key to the genus Amblycheila (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Cicindelinae). ZooKeys 893: 125-134. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.893.47059. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Amblycheila is a genus of flightless, nocturnal tiger beetles with eight species found in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, notable for their ecological role and distinctive blunt lips. Recent research has questioned their placement within the tribe Amblycheilini.

Physical Characteristics

Blunt-lipped features, robust bodies, and long legs adapted for running.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic blunt lip and diverse coloration among the eight species.

Habitat

Primarily found in montane and plateau habitats across the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Distribution

Southwestern United States and Mexico.

Diet

Carnivorous, primarily preying on other insects.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages; details on pupation and duration in specific environments not provided.

Reproduction

Reproductive behavior varies among species, specifics on mating rituals and larval development not documented.

Predators

Potential predators include larger insectivorous animals such as birds and mammals that forage on beetles.

Ecosystem Role

As predators of other insects, they play a significant role in controlling insect populations.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collecting
  • Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Alcohol preservation

Evolution

Recent research has revised their classification, indicating a possible reallocation to the tribe Manticorini.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some sources may confuse them with other tiger beetles due to their changing taxonomic status.

Tags

  • Amblycheila
  • tiger beetles
  • Southwestern U.S.
  • Montane
  • Nocturnal