Swift Tiger Beetle
Parvindela celeripes
This record describes Parvindela celeripes (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Flightless, dull green to brown. Elytral maculations are broken into dots Det. Alex Harman, 2018 Texas considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) this easily overlooked sp., may be more common than thought Type Locality: Republican Fork of the Kansas River.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cicindelinae
- Tribe
- Cicindelini
- Genus
- Parvindela (American Diminutive Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
n.TX to e.NE-w.IA - Map , now rare or extirpated in Nebraska, most records from w. Okla. (due to Alex Harman 's and Riley Duncan efforts over on iNat)
Seasonal Activity
mostly May-June
Diet and Behavior
Life History
extremely wary, hides in the base of thick vegetation
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: (L). 'swift footed'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Parvindela celeripes. 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 Swift Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Swift Tiger Beetle
What is Swift Tiger Beetle?
Swift Tiger Beetle (Parvindela celeripes) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Swift Tiger Beetle?
8-9 mm
How do you identify Swift Tiger Beetle?
Flightless, dull green to brown. Elytral maculations are broken into dots Det. Alex Harman, 2018
Where is Swift Tiger Beetle found?
Range: n.TX to e.NE-w.IA - Map , now rare or extirpated in Nebraska, most records from w. Okla. (due to Alex Harman 's and Riley Duncan efforts over on iNat)
When is Swift Tiger Beetle active?
Swift Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly May-June.
What is the life cycle of a Swift Tiger Beetle?
extremely wary, hides in the base of thick vegetation