Wetsalts Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia hemorrhagica
This record describes Cicindelidia hemorrhagica (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsal color dark coppery brown to dark brownish-black; underside of abdomen red; elytral maculations creamy white, many individuals have broad and complete markings, some are intermediate, and some are completely unmarked; lateral margins of elytra are widest in middle (when viewed from above), with gently tapering anterior and posterior portions - a distinguishing feature [ see comments by Daniel Duran]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cicindelinae
- Tribe
- Cicindelini
- Genus
- Cicindelidia (American Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California to Washington, east to Wyoming, New Mexico, and at least on vagarant c.TX record
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cicindelidia hemorrhagica. 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 Wetsalts Tiger Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Daniel P Duran; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , Alex Harman
Frequently Asked Questions About Wetsalts Tiger Beetle
What is Wetsalts Tiger Beetle?
Wetsalts Tiger Beetle (Cicindelidia hemorrhagica) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Wetsalts Tiger Beetle?
Body length 11-14 mm
How do you identify Wetsalts Tiger Beetle?
Dorsal color dark coppery brown to dark brownish-black; underside of abdomen red; elytral maculations creamy white, many individuals have broad and complete markings, some are intermediate, and some are completely unmarked; lateral margins of elytra are widest in middle (when viewed from above), with gently tapering anterior and posterior portions - a distinguishing feature [ see comments by Daniel Duran]
Where is Wetsalts Tiger Beetle found?
Range: California to Washington, east to Wyoming, New Mexico, and at least on vagarant c.TX record