Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis
This record describes Habroscelimorpha dorsalis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsal Coloration: white elytra with greenish-bronze complete maculations. One subspecies, C. d. dorsalis , is federally listed as threatened
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cicindelinae
- Tribe
- Cicindelini
- Genus
- Habroscelimorpha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Open, pristine white sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast and along the Chesapeake Bay.
Seasonal Activity
A summer species with activity peaking in July.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Habroscelimorpha dorsalis. 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 Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthew Roth; Additional contributions by cotinis , Phillip Harpootlian , Chris Wirth , Mike Quinn , gretchengrammer , ceiseman , v belov , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle
What is Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle?
Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle (Habroscelimorpha dorsalis) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle?
11-15 mm
How do you identify Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle?
Dorsal Coloration: white elytra with greenish-bronze complete maculations.
Where is Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle found?
Range: Open, pristine white sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast and along the Chesapeake Bay.
When is Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle active?
Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - A summer species with activity peaking in July..