Puritan Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera puritana
This record describes Ellipsoptera puritana (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Above greenish bronze with maculations connected along the elytral edge by a broad white line. The inner end of the middle band is usually eroded or ragged. Below it is copper colored. Closely related and similar to C. macra, most individuals of the Puritan Tiger Beetle are browner above, but there is also no overlap in distribution. The nearest record of C. macra is in Michigan. This species is currently designated as threatened in its entire range.
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
Geographic Range
This species is known to occur in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, Vermont.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ellipsoptera puritana. 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 Puritan Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth; Additional contributions by Ben Coulter , ceiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Puritan Tiger Beetle
What is Puritan Tiger Beetle?
Puritan Tiger Beetle (Ellipsoptera puritana) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Puritan Tiger Beetle?
12-14 mm
How do you identify Puritan Tiger Beetle?
Above greenish bronze with maculations connected along the elytral edge by a broad white line. The inner end of the middle band is usually eroded or ragged. Below it is copper colored. Closely related and similar to C. macra, most individuals of the Puritan Tiger Beetle are browner above, but there is also no overlap in distribution. The nearest record of C. macra is in Michigan.
Where is Puritan Tiger Beetle found?
Range: This species is known to occur in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, Vermont.