Western Beach Tiger Beetle
Cicindela latesignata
This record describes Cicindela latesignata (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Cicindela latesignata is a ground beetle in the genus Cicindela (common tiger beetles), in the subfamily Cicindelinae (tiger beetles). Common names are western beach tiger beetle and angel's tear. The distribution range of Cicindela latesignata includes Central America and North America. It is native to the Continental US and Mexico.
Identification notes
Two colour forms, often treated as subspecies. Typical latesignata is not highly variable, and apparently distinct from the rarer obliviosa with very broad pale edges, markings fused.
Wikipedia reference for Cicindela latesignata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicindela latesignata.
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
Coast of California south of Los Angeles; also in Baja California.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cicindela latesignata. 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 Western Beach Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: (c) BJ Stacey, all rights reserved | (c) Jay Keller, all rights reserved, uploaded by Jay Keller | Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Nick Block , Vox Sciurorum , James Bailey
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Beach Tiger Beetle
What is Western Beach Tiger Beetle?
Western Beach Tiger Beetle (Cicindela latesignata) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Western Beach Tiger Beetle?
Two colour forms, often treated as subspecies. Typical latesignata is not highly variable, and apparently distinct from the rarer obliviosa with very broad pale edges, markings fused.
Where is Western Beach Tiger Beetle found?
Range: Coast of California south of Los Angeles; also in Baja California.