Tetracha impressa
(Chevrolat, 1841)
Upland Metallic Tiger Beetle
Tetracha impressa, commonly known as the Upland Metallic , is one of four Tetracha occurring in North America north of Mexico. It is a big-headed tiger beetle in the . The species occurs in northern Mexico and the Lower Rio Grande Valley of south Texas, where it has been observed attracted to building and street lights. Unlike its more widespread T. carolina and T. virginica, T. impressa has a restricted U.S. distribution at the northern edge of its range.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tetracha impressa: /tɛˈtrɑːkə ɪmˈprɛsə/
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Identification
Tetracha impressa can be distinguished from other North Tetracha by geographic range: it is the only Tetracha species occurring in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. T. carolina occurs across the southern U.S. and has purple reflections and expanded on the . T. virginica has solid green elytra without apical markings and is widespread throughout the eastern U.S. T. floridana is restricted to salt marsh and mud flat in southern Florida and has uniformly black to dark green elytra lacking violet or coppery reflections in the anteriolateral regions.
Habitat
In the U.S., found in upland areas of the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas. The specific preferences within this region are not well documented.
Distribution
Northern Mexico and the Lower Rio Grande Valley of south Texas, USA. In the U.S., it reaches its northern distributional limit in the Brownsville, Texas area.
Life Cycle
Larval stage undescribed in the scientific literature. Based on , likely inhabit burrows in soil and possess simple, thorn-like hooks on the hump of the 5th abdominal .
Behavior
. have been observed attracted to building lights and street lights in Brownsville, Texas. Like other Tetracha , adults are likely fast-running and agile.
Human Relevance
Occasionally encountered by humans due to its attraction to artificial lights.
Similar Taxa
- Tetracha carolinaOverlaps in general appearance but distinguished by purple elytral reflections, expanded , and much broader distribution across southern U.S.
- Tetracha virginicaSimilar green coloration but distinguished by solid green without markings and widespread eastern U.S. distribution
- Tetracha floridanaSimilar dark coloration but restricted to Florida salt marshes, with uniformly dark lacking anteriolateral reflections