Tiger-beetle
Guides
Eunota togata togata
White-cloaked Tiger Beetle
Eunota togata togata is the nominate subspecies of the White-cloaked Tiger Beetle, occurring in salt marshes and tidal flats along the Gulf Coast of the United States and Mexico. Unlike the inland subspecies E. t. globicollis (Alkali Tiger Beetle) and E. t. fascinans (Salt Flat Tiger Beetle), this form shows the least expansion of the characteristic white elytral band that gives the species its name. The species epithet 'togata' derives from Latin 'toga,' referring to this cloaking white margin.
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis
Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis, the eastern beach tiger beetle, is a coastal tiger beetle species found on sandy beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, ranging from the northeastern United States through Florida and into Mexico. Adults are active during summer months, foraging in intertidal zones for small invertebrates. The species has a two-year life cycle with larvae that construct vertical burrows in beach sand. One subspecies, H. d. dorsalis (Northeastern beach tiger beetle), is federally listed as threatened due to habitat loss from coastal development and recreational disturbance.
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis
Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle
The Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle is the largest subspecies of Habroscelimorpha dorsalis, endemic to sandy Atlantic coast beaches of the northeastern United States. Listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 1990, this diurnal predator has experienced severe population declines due to habitat loss from coastal erosion, shoreline development, and human recreational activity. Adults are active from mid-June through July, while larvae overwinter in deep sand burrows. The species serves as an indicator of beach ecosystem health and requires specific habitat conditions including medium-coarse sand and minimum beach widths of 6.5 feet for successful reproduction.
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis media
White Beach Tiger Beetle
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis media is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the White Beach Tiger Beetle. This subspecies inhabits coastal sand dune environments where it exhibits specialized behaviors for survival in sandy habitats. The larvae of this subspecies display a distinctive defensive behavior: when disturbed, they leap from their burrows, grasp their tail with their mandibles, and allow wind to roll them wheel-like across the sand surface. This rolling escape mechanism has been documented on barrier island dunes off the coast of Georgia.
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis saulcyi
Saulcy's Beach Tiger Beetle
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis saulcyi is a subspecies of beach tiger beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Saulcy's Beach Tiger Beetle. It is part of a species complex associated with coastal sandy habitats. The subspecies is distributed across parts of the southern United States, Mexico, and Cuba. Like other members of the genus Habroscelimorpha, it is adapted to open, sandy environments where it hunts small invertebrate prey.
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis venusta
Gulf Beach Tiger Beetle
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis venusta, commonly known as the Gulf Beach Tiger Beetle, is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). It is one of several subspecies within the Habroscelimorpha dorsalis species complex. Tiger beetles in this genus are typically associated with sandy coastal habitats. The specific epithet 'venusta' suggests an attractive or elegant appearance, consistent with the often colorful and patterned nature of tiger beetles in this group.
Megacephalini
Big-headed Tiger Beetles
Megacephalini is a tribe of tiger beetles (family Cicindelidae) characterized by notably enlarged heads relative to body size. The tribe includes approximately seven described species across at least two genera, with Megacephala and Tetracha being the most prominent. Members are distributed across the Americas, with some species showing strong habitat specialization for saline or alkaline environments. The taxonomy of this group has undergone recent revision, with former subgenera of Tetracha elevated to generic status.
Methocha
Methocha is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Thynnidae (formerly Tiphiidae) that specialize in attacking tiger beetle larvae. Females are wingless and exhibit striking ant-like morphology and behavior, while males are winged. The genus shows pronounced sexual dimorphism and has been documented engaging in remarkable aggressive predatory tactics to access its hosts.
Methocha stygia
ant-like wasp, tiger beetle parasitoid wasp
Methocha stygia is a specialized parasitoid wasp in the family Tiphiidae that exhibits remarkable ant-mimicry (myrmecomorphy) in both morphology and behavior. This species targets tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae) as its exclusive host, employing a distinctive hunting strategy where females aggressively engage their prey and deliberately allow themselves to be grasped by the larva's sickle-shaped mandibles to gain entry to the burrow. The wasp's ant-like appearance enables it to approach host burrows without triggering the defensive responses that tiger beetle larvae typically direct against conventional wasp predators.
Omus
Night-stalking Tiger Beetles
Omus is a genus of flightless, nocturnal tiger beetles (subfamily Cicindelinae) endemic to the west coast of North America. Members are uniformly dark-colored and characterized by reduced or absent hind wings, restricting them to ground-dwelling locomotion. The genus comprises at least five recognized species, including O. audouini, O. californicus, O. cazieri, O. dejeanii, and O. submetallicus. These beetles occupy diverse habitats from forest floors to upper salt marshes, with some species showing strong associations with specific plant communities.
flightlessnocturnalwest-coast-endemictiger-beetlesalt-marshforest-floorprolonged-copulationconservation-concernCanada-species-at-riskmorphological-character-displacementAmblycheiliniCicindelinaeCarabidaeColeopteralarval-burrowsDouglas-aster-indicator-speciesniche-partitioningmale-mandible-dimorphismsyn-copulatory-courtshiprain-shadow-habitatSierra-NevadaCascade-RangeCoast-RangeBritish-ColumbiaOregonCaliforniaWashingtonOmus audouini
Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle
Omus audouini, commonly known as Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle, is a nocturnal tiger beetle species in the family Cicindelidae. It exhibits pronounced sexual size dimorphism with females larger than males, and possesses mandibles that serve dual functions for prey capture and mating amplexus. The species shows niche partitioning with sympatric O. dejeanii through body size and mandible length differences following Hutchinsonian Ratios. It is of conservation concern in Canada due to its extremely limited distribution.
Omus californicus
California night-stalking tiger beetle
Omus californicus is a nocturnal tiger beetle species endemic to western North America, recognized for its distinctive night-stalking predatory behavior. The species exhibits notable taxonomic complexity with six recognized subspecies distributed across California, Oregon, and adjacent regions. Adults are elusive, active primarily during nighttime hours, and are associated with forested and montane habitats. The species has been subject to taxonomic confusion with related taxa, particularly regarding subspecies boundaries.
Omus californicus angustocylindricus
Narrow Night-stalking Tiger Beetle
Omus californicus angustocylindricus is a subspecies of night-stalking tiger beetle endemic to California. It is one of several subspecies within the Omus californicus complex, characterized by its narrow, elongated body form. Adults are nocturnal and difficult to observe, with activity patterns tied to seasonal conditions. Larvae construct burrows in forested habitats, typically found along logging roads or under cover objects. The subspecies is considered rare and has been documented from limited localities in northern California, particularly in Plumas County.
Omus californicus californicus
California Night-stalking Tiger Beetle
Omus californicus californicus is the nominate subspecies of the California night-stalking tiger beetle, a flightless, nocturnal carabid beetle endemic to California. Adults are active primarily in spring and early summer, with larvae occupying permanent burrows in soil. The species exhibits strong habitat fidelity to specific substrates and moisture conditions. Unlike diurnal tiger beetles in the genus Cicindela, Omus species are crepuscular to nocturnal hunters that do not rely on vision for prey capture.
Omus californicus intermedius
Intermediate Night-stalking Tiger Beetle
Omus californicus intermedius is a subspecies of night-stalking tiger beetle endemic to western North America. As a member of the genus Omus, it exhibits nocturnal adult behavior and fossorial larval habits. The subspecies was described by Leng in 1902 and occurs in the intermediate zone between the ranges of the nominate subspecies and O. c. angustocylindricus. Adults are rarely encountered due to their nocturnal activity pattern and cryptic behavior, making larval burrows the most reliable indicator of local presence.
Omus californicus subcylindricus
Subcylindrical Night-stalking Tiger Beetle
Omus californicus subcylindricus is a subspecies of night-stalking tiger beetle in the family Carabidae. It is one of several subspecies within the Omus californicus complex, which exhibits considerable morphological and geographic variation across its range in western North America. The subspecies was described by Nunenmacher in 1940 and is distinguished by its subcylindrical body form compared to other members of the complex.
Omus cazieri
Mount Ashland Night-stalking Tiger Beetle, Cazier's night-stalking tiger beetle
Omus cazieri is a nocturnal tiger beetle species endemic to the western United States, specifically known from southwestern Oregon and adjacent northern California. It belongs to the genus Omus, a group of flightless, night-active tiger beetles distinguished by their cylindrical body form and reduced eyes. The species is named in honor of entomologist Mont Cazier.
Omus laevis
Night-stalking Tiger Beetle
Omus laevis is a synonym of Omus californicus californicus, a nocturnal tiger beetle species in the genus Omus. Members of this genus are restricted to the Pacific region of North America and are characterized by their nocturnal activity pattern, which distinguishes them from most other tiger beetles. The species is part of a taxonomically complex group historically treated as variable subspecies of O. californicus.
Omus sequoiarum
Omus sequoiarum is a species of flightless tiger beetle in the genus Omus, described by Crotch in 1874. It is currently treated as a synonym of Omus californicus californicus, though some sources maintain it as a distinct species. Like other Omus species, it is nocturnal and associated with forested habitats in western North America. The species epithet 'sequoiarum' references its association with sequoia (redwood) forests.
Omus submetallicus
Lustrous Night-stalking Tiger Beetle, Smith's Brome
Omus submetallicus is a nocturnal tiger beetle species in the family Cicindelidae, found in western North America. Adults are active at night and have been observed hunting in intertidal zones, capturing amphipods at low tide. The species has historically been confused with Omus californicus lecontei, leading to taxonomic uncertainty and unclear conservation status. Two subspecies are recognized: O. submetallicus submetallicus and O. submetallicus niger.
Opilidia
Opilid Tiger Beetles
Opilidia is a genus of tiger beetles in the family Cicindelidae, established by Rivalier in 1954. The genus contains seven described species distributed in the Neotropical region. Members are characterized by their elongated body form and are active, fast-running predators typical of the tiger beetle group.
Opilidia chlorocephala smythi
Smyth's Beach Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of beach tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. Belongs to the genus Opilidia, which contains species adapted to sandy coastal and riparian habitats. The subspecies was described by E.D. Harris in 1913.
Parvindela
American Diminutive Tiger Beetles, swift tiger beetle
Parvindela is a genus of small, flightless tiger beetles in the family Cicindelidae, established by Duran & Gough in 2019 when it was elevated from subgenus status within Cylindera. The genus contains species adapted to specialized habitats including loess hilltop prairies, sand plains, and gypsum mesas in the central United States. The type species, Parvindela celeripes (formerly Cylindera celeripes), is known from disjunct populations in northwestern Oklahoma and northwestern Missouri. These beetles are characterized by their diminutive size, rapid running speed, and reduced or absent flight wings.
Parvindela celeripes
Swift Tiger Beetle
Parvindela celeripes, the Swift Tiger Beetle, is a tiny (6–8 mm), flightless tiger beetle species native to the Great Plains of North America. Once abundant in native grasslands of Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the species has experienced severe population declines due to habitat loss. It was unknown from Missouri until its discovery in 2010, where it persists in small, isolated loess hilltop prairie remnants. The species remains robust in northwestern Oklahoma's red clay/gypsum exposures, representing its most secure population. Its flightless nature makes recolonization of disturbed or burned sites extremely difficult.
Parvindela cursitans
Ant-like Tiger Beetle
Parvindela cursitans, commonly known as the Ant-like Tiger Beetle, is a small, flightless tiger beetle species distributed across the central United States. Adults measure 6–8 mm in length and exhibit cryptic bronze coloration with green pitting on the elytra. The species inhabits bottomland forest habitats with sandy loam soils, particularly along major river systems. Unlike most tiger beetles, it is restricted to shaded forest understories rather than open, sunny areas. The species was historically rare in Missouri, known from only a single specimen until 2010, but subsequent surveys have revealed robust populations along the Mississippi River corridor.
Parvindela debilis
Grass-runner Tiger Beetle
Parvindela debilis, commonly known as the Grass-runner Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species was originally described by Bates in 1890 and has undergone taxonomic reclassification from the genus Cylindera to the currently accepted Parvindela. As a member of the tiger beetle subfamily Cicindelinae, it exhibits the characteristic predatory habits and fast-running behavior typical of this group. The species appears to be relatively rarely encountered, with limited observational records available.
Parvindela lemniscata
Parvindela lemniscata is a species of tiger beetle in the subfamily Cicindelinae. It was formerly placed in the genus Cylindera but has been transferred to Parvindela based on morphological and molecular evidence. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are active during warmer months and are attracted to ultraviolet lights at night.
Parvindela lemniscata rebaptisata
rouged tiger beetle
Parvindela lemniscata rebaptisata, commonly known as the rouged tiger beetle, is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. It was formerly classified under the genus Jundlandia. The subspecies has been documented in dry grassland habitats in eastern New Mexico, where it occurs on sandy-loam substrates. It is active during the fall season and can be found alongside other tiger beetle species such as Cicindelidia punctulata chihuahuae and Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoleta. The specific epithet 'rebaptisata' reflects its taxonomic reclassification.
Parvindela lunalonga
Meadow Tiger Beetle
Parvindela lunalonga is a tiger beetle species in the family Cicindelidae, historically classified under the genus Cylindera but now placed in Parvindela. It is native to North America with confirmed records from the United States. The species is known from relatively few observations (12 records on iNaturalist), suggesting it may be uncommon, locally distributed, or undercollected. Like other Parvindela species, it is likely associated with open, sandy or clay habitats where tiger beetles typically hunt.
Parvindela terricola
Variable Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola, commonly known as the Variable Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae. The species exhibits notable color variation, with individuals ranging from bright metallic green to forms with red or purple tinting. It has been recorded in western Nebraska at the edge of its distribution, where it inhabits alkaline habitats in badlands and grassland environments. The species was formerly classified under the genus Cicindela and later Cylindera before its current placement in Parvindela. Subspecies include C. terricola kaibabensis from the Grand Canyon region.
Parvindela terricola cinctipennis
Belted-winged Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola cinctipennis is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae, formerly placed in the genus Cylindera. It is one of eight tiger beetle species documented from the Laguna del Perro salt lake region of New Mexico, where it exhibits highly specific microhabitat preferences. Adult emergence is triggered by summer monsoonal rains, and the species occupies a narrow ecological niche that minimizes competition with sympatric tiger beetle species.
Parvindela terricola imperfecta
Imperfect Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola imperfecta is a subspecies of tiger beetle formerly classified under Cicindela and later Cylindera, now placed in the genus Parvindela following elevation of the former subgenus Cylindera to generic rank. It is distinguished by bright metallic green coloration, dense setae on the head and legs, and reduced or absent elytral maculations. The subspecies name 'imperfecta' refers to the incomplete or reduced white markings on the elytra compared to other subspecies. It occurs in the Great Plains region of North America, including Nebraska.
Parvindela terricola terricola
Variable Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola terricola is a subspecies of Variable Tiger Beetle in the subfamily Cicindelinae. It is characterized by bright metallic green coloration, a densely setose (hairy) head and pronotum, and a cream-colored labrum. This subspecies occurs in Nebraska and surrounding regions, where it inhabits open, sandy areas. The species was formerly classified under Cicindela and later Cylindera before the elevation of the subgenus Parvindela to generic rank.
Plagiostira albonotata
white-marked shieldback
Plagiostira albonotata, commonly known as the white-marked shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a large, robust katydid found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive white markings on its body. Observations indicate activity during summer months in desert and semi-desert habitats.
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Metallic Tiger Beetles
Tetracha is a genus of metallic tiger beetles in the family Cicindelidae, containing approximately 100 described species. The genus was formerly treated as a subgenus of Megacephala but was elevated to full generic status based on morphological and molecular evidence. Tetracha species are exclusively New World in distribution, contrasting with the Old World distribution of Megacephala. Four species occur in the United States: T. carolina, T. floridana, T. virginica, and T. impressa.
Tetracha carolina
Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle, Carolina Tiger Beetle
Tetracha carolina is a widely distributed tiger beetle species occurring across the southern United States, West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and western South America to Chile. Adults are strictly nocturnal, hiding during the day under cover objects such as irrigation pipes or in self-constructed burrows. The species has been observed to thrive in agricultural habitats, particularly in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain where it was once considered rare. It is one of four Tetracha species in the United States, distinguished from the similar T. floridana by purple or coppery reflections on the anteriolateral elytra and convergent anterior lobes of the apical lunules.
Tetracha floridana
Florida metallic tiger beetle, Florida big-headed tiger beetle
Tetracha floridana is a Florida endemic tiger beetle restricted to coastal salt marsh and mudflat habitats along the Gulf coast from Dixie County to the Florida Keys. Adults are strictly nocturnal and exhibit the characteristic metallic green to dark green elytra and enlarged head of the genus. The species was elevated from subspecies status in 2007 based on distinct morphological characters. Larvae inhabit burrows in dry ground adjacent to coastal marshes and can be distinguished from related genera by simple, thorn-like hooks on the fifth abdominal segment.