Black Sky Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea
This record describes Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea (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
- Cicindelidia (American Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
wide variety of habitats
Geographic Range
sw US (CA to CO−TX)
Seasonal Activity
Primarily summer active; fall active in so. TX
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea. 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 Black Sky Tiger Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Sky Tiger Beetle
How big is Black Sky Tiger Beetle?
9−12 mm
Where is Black Sky Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | wide variety of habitats |
| Range | sw US (CA to CO−TX) |
When is Black Sky Tiger Beetle active?
Black Sky Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - Primarily summer active; fall active in so. TX.