Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle
Cicindela bellissima
This record describes Cicindela bellissima (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Above brown with coppery reflections. The maculations are heavy, but are separated into three distinct lines. The middle line has a curved bend toward the rear, but lacks the sharp elbow of other species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cicindelinae
- Tribe
- Cicindelini
- Genus
- Cicindela (Temperate Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
See map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cicindela bellissima. 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 Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth
Frequently Asked Questions About Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle
What is Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle?
Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle (Cicindela bellissima) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle?
Above brown with coppery reflections. The maculations are heavy, but are separated into three distinct lines. The middle line has a curved bend toward the rear, but lacks the sharp elbow of other species.
Where is Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle found?
Range: See map