Splendid Tiger Beetle
Cicindela splendida
This record describes Cicindela splendida (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
- Cicindela (Temperate Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
open red clay soils
Geographic Range
PA‒SC to SD‒NM
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒May, Sep‒Oct (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cicindela splendida Hentz 1830
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cicindela splendida. 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 Splendid Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthew Roth; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Nick Block , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Splendid Tiger Beetle
How big is Splendid Tiger Beetle?
12‒15 mm
Where is Splendid Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | open red clay soils |
| Range | PA‒SC to SD‒NM |
When is Splendid Tiger Beetle active?
Splendid Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - Mar‒May, Sep‒Oct (BG data).