Punctured Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia punctulata
This record describes Cicindelidia punctulata (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
slender, dark brownish-gray (in the east), with or without thin white markings; longitudinal row of pits on each elytron: in the southwest may be completely green, and have reduced maculae or none:
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
Slightly sandy, open areas, such as trails and along sidewalks:
Geographic Range
NB-FL to AB-AZ
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as larva, adults present in summer. One- or two-year life cycle.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cicindelidia punctulata (Olivier 1790)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cicindelidia punctulata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Punctured Tiger Beetle
What is Punctured Tiger Beetle?
Punctured Tiger Beetle (Cicindelidia punctulata) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Punctured Tiger Beetle?
11-13 mm
How do you identify Punctured Tiger Beetle?
slender, dark brownish-gray (in the east), with or without thin white markings; longitudinal row of pits on each elytron: in the southwest may be completely green, and have reduced maculae or none:
Where is Punctured Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Slightly sandy, open areas, such as trails and along sidewalks: |
| Range | NB-FL to AB-AZ |
What is the life cycle of a Punctured Tiger Beetle?
Overwinters as larva, adults present in summer. One- or two-year life cycle.