Montane Giant Tiger Beetle
Amblycheila baroni
This record describes Amblycheila baroni (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
See key on genus page.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cicindelinae
- Tribe
- Amblycheilini
- Genus
- Amblycheila (Giant Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open pinyon-juniper areas with sandy/gravely soils with large boulders present; above 900 m.
Geographic Range
Southern and central Arizona
Seasonal Activity
Adults are active from July to September.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predacious
Life History
Larvae are very large and construct burrows in soft substrate under flat stones and at the bases of large stones and boulders.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amblycheila baroni. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Montane Giant Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Montane Giant Tiger Beetle
How big is Montane Giant Tiger Beetle?
20 to 25 mm
How do you identify Montane Giant Tiger Beetle?
See key on genus page.
Where is Montane Giant Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open pinyon-juniper areas with sandy/gravely soils with large boulders present; above 900 m. |
| Range | Southern and central Arizona |
What does Montane Giant Tiger Beetle eat?
The diet of the Montane Giant Tiger Beetle includes Predacious.
When is Montane Giant Tiger Beetle active?
Montane Giant Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults are active from July to September..
What is the life cycle of a Montane Giant Tiger Beetle?
Larvae are very large and construct burrows in soft substrate under flat stones and at the bases of large stones and boulders.