Whitish Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera gratiosa
This record describes Ellipsoptera gratiosa (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinctive: brownish-bronze; large white maculations covering most of the dorsum
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cicindelinae
- Tribe
- Cicindelini
- Genus
- Ellipsoptera (Ellipsed-winged Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open and sandy areas (paths, roads, and sandy open patches bordering pine barrens)
Geographic Range
se US (NC-FL panhandle-LA); replaced by Cicindela hirtilabris in peninsular Florida
Seasonal Activity
May-Sep
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ellipsoptera gratiosa (Guérin-Méneville 1840)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ellipsoptera gratiosa. 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 Whitish Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthew Roth; Additional contributions by cotinis , Chris Wirth , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Whitish Tiger Beetle
What is Whitish Tiger Beetle?
Whitish Tiger Beetle (Ellipsoptera gratiosa) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Whitish Tiger Beetle?
10-12 mm
How do you identify Whitish Tiger Beetle?
distinctive: brownish-bronze; large white maculations covering most of the dorsum
Where is Whitish Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open and sandy areas (paths, roads, and sandy open patches bordering pine barrens) |
| Range | se US (NC-FL panhandle-LA); replaced by Cicindela hirtilabris in peninsular Florida |
When is Whitish Tiger Beetle active?
Whitish Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - May-Sep.