South Texas Giant Tiger Beetle
Amblycheila hoversoni
This record describes Amblycheila hoversoni (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
See key on genus page. It's rather remarkable that this largest of all New World tiger beetles was only just described in 1990...
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
Found in open thorn-tree areas among low, rolling hills on well-drained caliche substrates. ( 3 )
Geographic Range
w. to s. TX - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Nov, except June. Most active after rainy periods in the spring and fall.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults completely nocturnal and flightless. They are mostly seen after midnight running near animal burrows which they retreat into during the day. Larvae have been found in the ceilings of badger and armadillo burrows!
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amblycheila hoversoni. 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 South Texas Giant Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Chris Wirth , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , Alex Harman
Frequently Asked Questions About South Texas Giant Tiger Beetle
What is South Texas Giant Tiger Beetle?
South Texas Giant Tiger Beetle (Amblycheila hoversoni) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is South Texas Giant Tiger Beetle?
32 to 36 mm, the largest tiger beetle in Western Hemisphere
How do you identify South Texas Giant Tiger Beetle?
See key on genus page.
Where is South Texas Giant Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found in open thorn-tree areas among low, rolling hills on well-drained caliche substrates. ( 3 ) |
| Range | w. to s. TX - Map |
When is South Texas Giant Tiger Beetle active?
South Texas Giant Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - Apr-Nov, except June. Most active after rainy periods in the spring and fall..
What is the life cycle of a South Texas Giant Tiger Beetle?
Adults completely nocturnal and flightless. They are mostly seen after midnight running near animal burrows which they retreat into during the day. Larvae have been found in the ceilings of badger and armadillo burrows!