Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle
Omus audouini
This record describes Omus audouini (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cicindelinae
- Tribe
- Amblycheilini
- Genus
- Omus (Night-stalking Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in forested areas.
Geographic Range
Southern BC to northern CA
Seasonal Activity
February to June
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Omus audouini. 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 Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Nick Block
Frequently Asked Questions About Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle
How big is Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle?
14 to 18 mm
Where is Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Usually found in forested areas. |
| Range | Southern BC to northern CA |
When is Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle active?
Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - February to June.