Cream-edged Tiger Beetle
Eunota circumpicta
This record describes Eunota circumpicta (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Above red or copper brown, sometimes green or blue with a continuous white band along the edge of the elytra. The underside is metallic green/blue with white setae along the sides of the abdomen. Important food source of Asilid flies.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cicindelinae
- Tribe
- Cicindelini
- Genus
- Eunota (Saline Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Moist areas along salt flats, pond edges, and streams
Geographic Range
ND-TX-NM; disjunct populations in MO, ND
Seasonal Activity
May-Oct (most abundant Jun-Aug)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: I [WHO?] have seen them consume large harvester ants as well as smaller tiger beetles.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Habroscelimorpha circumpicta (LaFerté-Sénectère 1841)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eunota circumpicta. 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 Cream-edged Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Dave Melius; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream-edged Tiger Beetle
What is Cream-edged Tiger Beetle?
Cream-edged Tiger Beetle (Eunota circumpicta) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cream-edged Tiger Beetle?
12-15 mm
How do you identify Cream-edged Tiger Beetle?
Above red or copper brown, sometimes green or blue with a continuous white band along the edge of the elytra. The underside is metallic green/blue with white setae along the sides of the abdomen.
Where is Cream-edged Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Moist areas along salt flats, pond edges, and streams |
| Range | ND-TX-NM; disjunct populations in MO, ND |
What does Cream-edged Tiger Beetle eat?
The diet of the Cream-edged Tiger Beetle includes I [WHO?] have seen them consume large harvester ants as well as smaller tiger beetles..
When is Cream-edged Tiger Beetle active?
Cream-edged Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - May-Oct (most abundant Jun-Aug).