Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle
Cicindela duodecimguttata
This record describes Cicindela duodecimguttata (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The usual bands are often broken into spots - 12 spots on some individuals. On other individuals, the bands may be more intact and there will be fewer than 12 spots or marks. The shoulder marking (humeral lunule), whether entire or broken, is well-separated from the middle band or middle spots. Hybridizes with C. oregona in a small area of the Rocky Mountains in midwestern US.
Wikipedia reference for Cicindela duodecimguttata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicindela_duodecimguttata.
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
Habitat
Margins of streams, rivers, ponds. Adults and larvae overwinter in burrows near the stream or pond margin.
Geographic Range
southern Canada and United States east of the Rockies but absent from Florida and the coastal southeast. Much the same range as C. repanda , and often found with it.
Seasonal Activity
Usually seen in spring (April-June) and again in late summer/early fall (August-October). In North Carolina, recorded April-May (June in mountains), August-October .
Diet and Behavior
Diet: A variety of insects.
Life History
Two year life cycle, with third instar larvae passing through the first winter, and adults the second winter.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Species name means "twelve-spotted" .
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cicindela duodecimguttata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle
What is Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle?
Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle (Cicindela duodecimguttata) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle?
body length 12-15 mm.
How do you identify Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle?
The usual bands are often broken into spots - 12 spots on some individuals. On other individuals, the bands may be more intact and there will be fewer than 12 spots or marks. The shoulder marking (humeral lunule), whether entire or broken, is well-separated from the middle band or middle spots.
Where is Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Margins of streams, rivers, ponds. Adults and larvae overwinter in burrows near the stream or pond margin. |
| Range | southern Canada and United States east of the Rockies but absent from Florida and the coastal southeast. Much the same range as C. repanda , and often found with it. |
What does Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle eat?
The diet of the Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle includes A variety of insects..
When is Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle active?
Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - Usually seen in spring (April-June) and again in late summer/early fall (August-October). In North Carolina, recorded April-May (June in mountains), August-October ..
What is the life cycle of a Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle?
Two year life cycle, with third instar larvae passing through the first winter, and adults the second winter.