Colorado Dune Tiger Beetle
Cicindela theatina
This record describes Cicindela theatina (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Cicindela theatina, commonly known as the Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle, is a predatory beetle found in sparsely vegetated sandy habitats. The species' range encompasses only about 290 square kilometres (110 sq mi) in the Great Sand Dunes park in Colorado. Despite its small range, the species is relatively secure because its entire habitat is within a protected national park.
Wikipedia reference for Cicindela theatina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicindela theatina.
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
restricted to the base of large sand dune fields
Geographic Range
only in or near Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Saguache & Alamosa counties, Colorado.
Seasonal Activity
adults rarely found before early June
Diet and Behavior
Life History
both larvae and adults overwinter
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cicindela theatina Rotger 1944
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cicindela theatina. 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 Colorado Dune Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: (c) Alexander Harman, Ph. D., some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Alexander Harman, Ph. D. | (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma | (c) Sequoia Janirella Wrens, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Sequoia Janirella Wrens | (c) Tony Gerard, all rights reserved, uploaded by Tony Gerard | Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Ben Coulter , Nick Block
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Dune Tiger Beetle
What is Colorado Dune Tiger Beetle?
Colorado Dune Tiger Beetle (Cicindela theatina) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Colorado Dune Tiger Beetle?
12-14 mm
Where is Colorado Dune Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | restricted to the base of large sand dune fields |
| Range | only in or near Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Saguache & Alamosa counties, Colorado. |
When is Colorado Dune Tiger Beetle active?
Colorado Dune Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - adults rarely found before early June.
What is the life cycle of a Colorado Dune Tiger Beetle?
both larvae and adults overwinter