ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles

Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle

Amblycheila picolominii

This record describes Amblycheila picolominii (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle - Amblycheila picolominii
Contributed by Daniel P Duran; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn

Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle (Amblycheila picolominii) is a species in the family Carabidae, commonly known as ground beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Cicindelinae, tribe Amblycheilini, suborder Adephaga. This species belongs to the genus Amblycheila (Giant Tiger Beetles). As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 24-28 mm. It is found in Sparse grassy substrates with scattered stones and small boulders.. Active during April to September.

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

Sparse grassy substrates with scattered stones and small boulders. ( 3 )

Seasonal Activity

April to September ( 3 )

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amblycheila picolominii. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle (5)

Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle - photo 1
Contributed by Daniel P Duran; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle - photo 2
Contributed by Daniel P Duran; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle - photo 3
Contributed by Daniel P Duran; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle - photo 4
Contributed by Daniel P Duran; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle - photo 5
Contributed by Daniel P Duran; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by Daniel P Duran; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle

What is Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle?

Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle (Amblycheila picolominii) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle?

24-28 mm

How do you identify Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle?

See key on genus page.

Where is Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle found?

Habitat: Sparse grassy substrates with scattered stones and small boulders. ( 3 )

When is Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle active?

Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - April to September ( 3 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Daniel P Duran; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.