Tiger-beetle-mimic
Guides
Colliuris lioptera
Colliuris lioptera is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Bates in 1891. It belongs to a genus whose members are sometimes mistaken for tiger beetles due to similar appearance. The species has been recorded from Mexico and the United States, placing it within the Middle and North American faunal regions. Like other Colliuris species, it is sensitive to soil management practices and may serve as an indicator of agricultural disturbance.
Elaphrus americanus
Elaphrus americanus is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Elaphrinae, described by Dejean in 1831. The species occurs across much of Canada and parts of the United States. Members of the genus Elaphrus are frequently mistaken for tiger beetles (Cicindelinae) due to their similar appearance, though they are true ground beetles (Carabidae). Taxonomic analysis has identified this species as part of a complex that includes E. finitimus and multiple subspecies with distinct geographic distributions.
Elaphrus lapponicus
Northern Peacock Beetle
Elaphrus lapponicus is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Elaphrinae, described by Gyllenhal in 1810. It belongs to a genus known for species that closely resemble tiger beetles (Cicindelinae), often leading to misidentification by collectors. The species has a Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern regions of North America and Eurasia. Like other members of Elaphrus, it likely inhabits moist, open habitats near water.
Elaphrus lecontei
Elaphrus lecontei is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Elaphrinae, described by Crotch in 1876. The genus Elaphrus comprises true ground beetles that are frequently mistaken for tiger beetles (Cicindelinae) due to their similar appearance and behavior. These beetles are known for their metallic coloration and preference for moist, sandy habitats.
Elaphrus lindrothi
Elaphrus lindrothi is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Elaphrinae, described by Goulet in 1983. It belongs to a genus known for species that closely resemble tiger beetles (Cicindelinae), often leading to misidentification by collectors. The species is native to the United States and is part of the North American fauna of Elaphrus, a genus of true ground beetles (Carabidae) with distinctive morphological adaptations.
Elaphrus ruscarius
Shore Ground Beetle
A species of ground beetle in the subfamily Elaphrinae, described by Thomas Say in 1834. Like other members of the genus Elaphrus, it bears a strong resemblance to tiger beetles (Cicindelinae), which can mislead collectors. The genus is known for its preference for moist habitats near water.
Opisthius richardsoni
Opisthius richardsoni is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to northern North America. It is frequently mistaken for tiger beetles (Cicindelinae) due to its superficial resemblance, a common identification error among collectors. The species occurs across Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States.