Lime-headed Tiger Beetle
Opilidia chlorocephala
This record describes Opilidia chlorocephala (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinctive, hind legs are extremely long in both sexes
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cicindelinae
- Tribe
- Cicindelini
- Genus
- Opilidia (Opilid Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Ranges from Padre Island, Texas, USA (subspecies smythi, presumed extinct) south along the Gulf Coast of Mexico to Veracruz Mexico, and from Honduras (subspecies chlorocephala) (Bousquet 2012, quoted by NatureServe). According to NatureServe: "US subspecies smythi has not been found in several decades and may be extinct. No modern information on Mexican subspecies."
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Opilidia chlorocephala. 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 Lime-headed Tiger Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth; Additional contributions by cotinis , ceiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Lime-headed Tiger Beetle
What is Lime-headed Tiger Beetle?
Lime-headed Tiger Beetle (Opilidia chlorocephala) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lime-headed Tiger Beetle?
6-8mm long
How do you identify Lime-headed Tiger Beetle?
Distinctive, hind legs are extremely long in both sexes
Where is Lime-headed Tiger Beetle found?
Range: Ranges from Padre Island, Texas, USA (subspecies smythi, presumed extinct) south along the Gulf Coast of Mexico to Veracruz Mexico, and from Honduras (subspecies chlorocephala) (Bousquet 2012, quoted by NatureServe). According to NatureServe: US subspecies smythi has not been found in several decades and may be extinct. No modern information on Mexican subspecies.