One-spotted Tiger Beetle
Apterodela unipunctata
This record describes Apterodela unipunctata (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
- Cicindelini
- Genus
- Apterodela (Leaf Litter Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
open deciduous woodlands with clay or rocky slopes (McRae 2011)
Geographic Range
e. US (NY-GA to IA-AR-MS)
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Sep; mostly Jun-Jul
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Apterodela unipunctata ( Fabricius 1775)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Apterodela unipunctata. 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 One-spotted Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by cotinis , Nick Block , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About One-spotted Tiger Beetle
How big is One-spotted Tiger Beetle?
14-18 mm
Where is One-spotted Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | open deciduous woodlands with clay or rocky slopes (McRae 2011) |
| Range | e. US (NY-GA to IA-AR-MS) |
When is One-spotted Tiger Beetle active?
One-spotted Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - Apr-Sep; mostly Jun-Jul.