Moustached Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera hirtilabris
This record describes Ellipsoptera hirtilabris (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsum coppery with maculations over much of the elytra. White setae cover much of the head and pronotum.
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
scrub, often with C. abdominalis and C. scabrosa ; also, dry white sand areas including trails, road edges, and open areas with sparse vegetation
Geographic Range
e-c GA to so.FL ; in n.FL and the panhandle replaced by E. gratiosa iNaturalist observations - range includes GA & SC.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ellipsoptera hirtilabris (LeConte 1875)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ellipsoptera hirtilabris. 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 Moustached Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Ben Coulter , Nick Block , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Moustached Tiger Beetle
What is Moustached Tiger Beetle?
Moustached Tiger Beetle (Ellipsoptera hirtilabris) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Moustached Tiger Beetle?
9‒11 mm
How do you identify Moustached Tiger Beetle?
Dorsum coppery with maculations over much of the elytra. White setae cover much of the head and pronotum.
Where is Moustached Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | scrub, often with C. abdominalis and C. scabrosa ; also, dry white sand areas including trails, road edges, and open areas with sparse vegetation |
| Range | e-c GA to so.FL ; in n.FL and the panhandle replaced by E. gratiosa iNaturalist observations - range includes GA & SC. |