Large Grassland Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia obsoleta
This record describes Cicindelidia obsoleta (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Above dark black, brown, green, and rarely dark blue with maculations that are absent in some populations, reduced to incomplete lines and dots in others, and thin but complete in others. If maculations are present, usually only the last one reaches the edge of the elytra; however, individuals in some populations can have maculations partially connected by a white line along the outer elytra edge. Below it is metallic purple to dark green. Because of its large size, it is not easily confused with any other grassland species.
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
Grasslands, pastures, meadows, grassy alluvial slopes, and hillsides with bare patches of soil.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cicindela obsoleta Say 1823
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cicindelidia obsoleta. 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 Large Grassland Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Grassland Tiger Beetle
What is Large Grassland Tiger Beetle?
Large Grassland Tiger Beetle (Cicindelidia obsoleta) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Large Grassland Tiger Beetle?
15-20 mm long
How do you identify Large Grassland Tiger Beetle?
Above dark black, brown, green, and rarely dark blue with maculations that are absent in some populations, reduced to incomplete lines and dots in others, and thin but complete in others. If maculations are present, usually only the last one reaches the edge of the elytra; however, individuals in some populations can have maculations partially connected by a white line along the outer elytra edge. Below it is metallic purple to dark green. Because of its large size, it is not easily confused with any other grassland species.
Where is Large Grassland Tiger Beetle found?
Habitat: Grasslands, pastures, meadows, grassy alluvial slopes, and hillsides with bare patches of soil.