Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle

Tetracha virginica

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tetracha virginica: /tɛˈtraka vɜrˈdʒɪnɪkə/

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

Images

Tetracha virginica P1080884a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Tetracha virginica, known as the Virginia metallic tiger beetle or Virginia big-headed tiger beetle, is a species of big-headed tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae, found in Central and North America.

Physical Characteristics

16-25 mm in length; adults have entirely green elytra without apical tan marks.

Identification Tips

Adult Tetracha virginica is easy to recognize by its fully green wings compared to other species that have tan markings. Differentiation of larvae of T. virginica vs. T. carolina may be possible.

Habitat

Open grassy areas and edges of lakes/rivers; common in suburban areas.

Distribution

Found in the US from New Jersey to Florida, and as far west as Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Texas.

Life Cycle

In July and August in northern regions, and from March to November in southern regions.