Gulfshore Tiger Beetle
Eunota pamphila
This record describes Eunota pamphila (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Usually active early in the morning. Larva unknown.
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
Geographic Range
along Gulf Coast, MS to ne. Tamaulipas, Mexico; locally abundant and more widespread in TX, uncommon elsewhere map
Seasonal Activity
Adults active May-Dec
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eunota pamphila. 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 Gulfshore Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Gretchen Grammer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Gulfshore Tiger Beetle
What is Gulfshore Tiger Beetle?
Gulfshore Tiger Beetle (Eunota pamphila) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Gulfshore Tiger Beetle?
11-12 mm
Where is Gulfshore Tiger Beetle found?
Range: along Gulf Coast, MS to ne. Tamaulipas, Mexico; locally abundant and more widespread in TX, uncommon elsewhere map
When is Gulfshore Tiger Beetle active?
Gulfshore Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults active May-Dec.