Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle

Tetracha carolina

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Adephaga
Family: Carabidae
Subfamily: Cicindelinae
Tribe: Megacephalini
Genus: Tetracha
Species: carolina

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tetracha carolina: /tɛˈtrɑːkə kæˈroʊlɪnə/

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

Images

Carolinatigerbeetle (cropped) by Rizalhatch. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Carolinatigerbeetle by Rizalhatch. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Insects abroad - being a popular account of foreign insects, their structure, habits, and transformations (1883) (14765120592) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle - Tetracha carolina, Solon Dixon Forestry Center, Andalusia, Alabama by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Tetracha carolina, commonly known as the Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the genus Tetracha. It is often seen in disturbed habitats and is nocturnal, primarily coming to light.

Physical Characteristics

Dorsal surface glossy metallic green, often mixed with red or purple; large cream-colored spots (apical lunules) at apex of elytra, sizes ranging from 12-20 mm.

Identification Tips

Differentiation of larvae of T. virginica vs. T. carolina may be possible.

Habitat

Sandbanks of rivers, pastures, open, disturbed areas; often near water. Hides under boards, rocks, trash, etc. during day. Nocturnal.

Distribution

Found in the United States (California, Florida, Virginia, Oklahoma) extending to South America.

Evolution

Formerly considered to contain two subspecies: carolina and floridana; the latter is now considered a full species as of a 2007 revision.