Amblycheila katzi

Small Amblycheila (23–28 mm) with trapezoidal pronotum and almond-shaped elytra bearing sharply defined dorsal carinae. Elytra smooth and polished with sparse, irregular setigerous punctures. Male hind trochanter lacks spine-like projection present in congeners. Distinguished ecologically by exclusive association with vertical rock walls; not captured in pitfall traps.

Steep-sided canyons with exposed Cretaceous limestone bedrock. Adults occupy vertical rock surfaces 1–5 m above ground, using crevices, grooves, and ledges. Larvae inhabit fine calcareous clays within grooves and crevices of vertical limestone walls. Not found on ground or soil substrates.

Endemic to the Trans-Pecos region of western Texas (Val Verde and Terrell Counties), within the Chihuahuan Desert. Likely extends into adjacent northern Mexico given proximity to international border.

Earliest recorded observation is 23 May. Activity period likely extends through warmer months in desert canyon environments.

Nocturnal predator of invertebrates.

Larvae observed as 2nd and 3rd instars in vertical rock wall crevices. Captive breeding successful; eggs laid in captivity produced 59 adult beetles.

Strongly petrophilous (rock-dwelling); uniquely associated with vertical rock walls among North American tiger beetles. Nocturnally active. Adults frequently found in areas where Latrodectus spiders are abundant.

Nocturnal predator in desert canyon ecosystems.

• Amblycheila baroniOccurs in ground and soil habitats rather than vertical rock walls; larger body size.
• Amblycheila cylindriformisGround-dwelling species; lacks exclusive rock wall association.
• Other Amblycheila speciesAll congeners occupy ground or soil habitats; A. katzi is the only petrophilous member of the genus.

• petrophilous
• nocturnal
• endemic
• captive breeding
• vertical rock habitat
• Cretaceous limestone
• Chihuahuan Desert

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Miridae | Beetles In The Bush
• A new petrophilous tiger beetle from the Trans-Pecos region of Texas and revised key to the genus Amblycheila (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Cicindelinae)
• A new petrophilous tiger beetle from the Trans-Pecos region of Texas and revised key to the genus Amblycheila (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Cicindelinae)