Horn's Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia hornii
This record describes Cicindelidia hornii (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Usually quite ephemeral, out after rains but not too long. They also come in blue and green forms, but probably mostly black in NM. (Comment by Dr. C. Barry Kinsley).
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
Habitat
Upland
Geographic Range
se. AZ, s. NM, w. TX - Map
Seasonal Activity
May to Nov, but mostly during the summer rainy season: June to Sept.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Only larvae overwinter, life cycle is 2-3 yrs
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym for coleopterist George H. Horn (1840-1897)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cicindelidia hornii. 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 Horn's Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Horn's Tiger Beetle
What is Horn's Tiger Beetle?
Horn's Tiger Beetle (Cicindelidia hornii) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Horn's Tiger Beetle?
11-15 mm
Where is Horn's Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Upland |
| Range | se. AZ, s. NM, w. TX - Map |
When is Horn's Tiger Beetle active?
Horn's Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - May to Nov, but mostly during the summer rainy season: June to Sept..
What is the life cycle of a Horn's Tiger Beetle?
Only larvae overwinter, life cycle is 2-3 yrs