Cream-edged Tiger Beetle

Eunota circumpicta

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Adephaga
Family: Carabidae
Subfamily: Cicindelinae
Tribe: Cicindelini
Genus: Eunota
Species: circumpicta

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eunota circumpicta: //juːˈnoʊtə ˌsɜːrkəmˈpɪktə//

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Summary

Eunota circumpicta, also known as the cream-edged tiger beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the Cicindelidae family, native to the United States. It is characterized by its metallic colors and distinct white band along the edges of its elytra.

Physical Characteristics

12-15 mm in length, with a red or copper brown, sometimes green or blue body. Features a continuous white band along the edge of the elytra. The underside is metallic green/blue with white setae along the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Look for beetles with a distinctive white band along the elytra and metallic coloration underneath. Size ranges from 12-15 mm, typically found in wet, saline habitats.

Habitat

Moist areas along salt flats, pond edges, and streams.

Distribution

North Dakota, Texas, New Mexico; disjunct populations in Missouri and North Dakota.

Diet

Consumes large harvester ants as well as smaller tiger beetles; important food source for Asilid flies.

Life Cycle

Adults are seen from May to October, with peak abundance from June to August.

Ecosystem Role

Potentially serves as prey for Asilid flies.

Evolution

Formerly classified as Cicindela circumpicta and Habroscelimorpha circumpicta.