Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle
Amblycheila cylindriformis
This record describes Amblycheila cylindriformis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
All black to brownish. Entire surface of elytra covered with pits--distinctive character for this species . See key on genus page. This flightless and nocturnal sp. was first coll'ed by Say along the Arkansas River near the Rocky Mountains in Colorado
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
Great Plains sandy sagebrush areas.
Geographic Range
Rocky Mountain Front Range (NM-TX-SD-WY) - Map
Seasonal Activity
April to September ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae tend to occur in dirt at mouths of mammal burrows, also in faces of clay bluffs.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amblycheila cylindriformis. 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 Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth; Additional contributions by cotinis , McClarinJ , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle
What is Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle?
Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle (Amblycheila cylindriformis) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle?
29-35 mm
How do you identify Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle?
All black to brownish. Entire surface of elytra covered with pits--distinctive character for this species . See key on genus page.
Where is Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Great Plains sandy sagebrush areas. |
| Range | Rocky Mountain Front Range (NM-TX-SD-WY) - Map |
When is Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle active?
Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - April to September ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle?
Larvae tend to occur in dirt at mouths of mammal burrows, also in faces of clay bluffs.