Velvet Tiger Beetle
Dromochorus velutinigrens
This record describes Dromochorus velutinigrens (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytra without small pits, labrum dark Type locality: 10 km east of Riviera, Kleberg Co., Texas
Identification notes
elytra without small pits, labrum dark ( 3 )
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
Habitat
sandy upland brushy areas, s. TX coastal sand plains ( Region 5 ) ( 3 )
Geographic Range
coastal s. TX - Map
Seasonal Activity
April to mid-June following measurable rainfall ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
flightless, crepuscular, and nocturnal ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dromochorus velutinigrens Johnson, 1992
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dromochorus velutinigrens. 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 Velvet Tiger Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Velvet Tiger Beetle
What is Velvet Tiger Beetle?
Velvet Tiger Beetle (Dromochorus velutinigrens) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Velvet Tiger Beetle?
12-15 mm
How do you identify Velvet Tiger Beetle?
elytra without small pits, labrum dark ( 3 )
Where is Velvet Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | sandy upland brushy areas, s. TX coastal sand plains ( Region 5 ) ( 3 ) |
| Range | coastal s. TX - Map |
When is Velvet Tiger Beetle active?
Velvet Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - April to mid-June following measurable rainfall ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Velvet Tiger Beetle?
flightless, crepuscular, and nocturnal ( 3 )