White Sand Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera wapleri
This record describes Ellipsoptera wapleri (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Above dark brown with the maculations coalesced into a broad white band along the edge of the elytra. Below it is metallic green with dense, white hairlike setae covering the sides of the abdomen, thorax, and cheeks of the head. Similar species do not have the thin white lines extending into the central area of the elytra.
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
SE US
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ellipsoptera wapleri. 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 White Sand Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth; Additional contributions by Ben Coulter , Nick Block , ceiseman , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About White Sand Tiger Beetle
What is White Sand Tiger Beetle?
White Sand Tiger Beetle (Ellipsoptera wapleri) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is White Sand Tiger Beetle?
9 - 11 mm long
How do you identify White Sand Tiger Beetle?
Above dark brown with the maculations coalesced into a broad white band along the edge of the elytra. Below it is metallic green with dense, white hairlike setae covering the sides of the abdomen, thorax, and cheeks of the head. Similar species do not have the thin white lines extending into the central area of the elytra.
Where is White Sand Tiger Beetle found?
Range: SE US