Trans-Pecos Giant Tiger Beetle
Amblycheila katzi
This record describes Amblycheila katzi (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Steep-sided canyons or roadcuts with exposed bedrock, especially limestone (Duran and Roman, 2019).
Geographic Range
Trans-Pecos region of western Texas (Val Verde and Terrell Counties)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amblycheila katzi Duran and Roman 2019
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amblycheila katzi. 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 Trans-Pecos Giant Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn