Brasiella wickhami
(Horn, 1903)
Sonoran Tiger Beetle
Brasiella wickhami, commonly known as the Sonoran Tiger , is a small, tiger beetle and the only member of its to reach the United States. It occurs in southern Arizona and extends southward into Mexico. are active runners found in arid , representing the northernmost extension of an otherwise exclusively Neotropical genus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Brasiella wickhami: /bræˈziːɛlə ˈwɪkhɑːmi/
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Identification
The only Brasiella occurring in the United States; distinguished from other small tiger beetles in southern Arizona by its placement in the Brasiella, which contains mostly Neotropical species. are small and (running), similar in general form to other "Little Tiger Beetles" but separable by geographic range and presumably genitalic characters.
Images
Habitat
Arid environments in the Sonoran Desert region; specific microhabitat preferences not documented in available sources.
Distribution
Southern Arizona, United States and Mexico; the sole Brasiella to extend north of the main Neotropical region.
Behavior
are active runners; other not documented.
Human Relevance
Of interest to coleopterists as the only U.S. representative of its ; may be encountered by tiger collectors in southern Arizona.
Similar Taxa
- Other Brasiella speciesThe contains 45+ , all Neotropical except B. wickhami; identification to species level may require examination of male genitalia.
- Small Cicindelidae in southern ArizonaSimilar in size and general appearance; B. wickhami distinguished by generic assignment and geographic distribution.