Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle
Dromochorus belfragei
This record describes Dromochorus belfragei (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The dorsal coloration of this species is brown to black with no elytral maculations. Male labrum is black with the central diamond-shaped portion ivory colored. The female labrum is metallic black. Apparently affected by the invasive red imported fire ant, the Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle has virtually disappeared from infected area such as Brazos County, Texas where, before the arrival of these ants, this tiger beetle was common in the 1980's.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cicindelinae
- Tribe
- Cicindelini
- Genus
- Dromochorus (Dromo Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. KS to Corpus Christi, TX - Map The belfragei forms/sp. are more restricted to central and coastal Texas and overlap considerably with the more widely occurring pruinia forms/sp.
Seasonal Activity
Adults active from May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This flightless sp. is active throughout the day, but primarily in the afternoon. Overwinter as larvae.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dromochorus belfragei Sallé, 1877
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dromochorus belfragei. 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 Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle
What is Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle?
Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle (Dromochorus belfragei) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle?
12-14mm long
How do you identify Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle?
The dorsal coloration of this species is brown to black with no elytral maculations. Male labrum is black with the central diamond-shaped portion ivory colored. The female labrum is metallic black.
Where is Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle found?
Range: e. KS to Corpus Christi, TX - Map The belfragei forms/sp. are more restricted to central and coastal Texas and overlap considerably with the more widely occurring pruinia forms/sp.
When is Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle active?
Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults active from May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Loamy-ground Tiger Beetle?
This flightless sp. is active throughout the day, but primarily in the afternoon. Overwinter as larvae.