Meadow Tiger Beetle
Parvindela lunalonga
This record describes Parvindela lunalonga (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The species can exhibit very thin maculations to immaculate. The small size and dull appearance will generally separate it from other species in the region. It often appears with Cicindela haemorrhagica , but size, maculations (or lack thereof), and blue abdomen will readily separate it from this species. The species occupies two distinct habitats in two separate regions of California. Therefore there is some concern that the two populations represent two sister taxa. Until recently the Central Valley form had not been seen since the early 80's. Now that sites have been located it is hoped that mtDNA analysis of the two populations will resolve these questions.
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
Habitat
Mud puddles, irrigation ditches, areas of high water-table adjacent to streams and rivers, and montane meadow.
Geographic Range
Central Valley of California to the northern Sierra Nevada (the Sierran montane meadow population may be a different sp./ssp., see specimen pictured in Plate 22 of Pearson, Knisley, & Kazilek )
Seasonal Activity
May-July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Small arthropods
Life History
Single summer emergence of adults.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The scientific name refers to the long humeral lunule on the elytra.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Parvindela lunalonga. 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 Meadow Tiger Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff , Peter Messer , ceiseman , R. D. Haines , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Meadow Tiger Beetle
What is Meadow Tiger Beetle?
Meadow Tiger Beetle (Parvindela lunalonga) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Meadow Tiger Beetle?
The species can exhibit very thin maculations to immaculate. The small size and dull appearance will generally separate it from other species in the region. It often appears with Cicindela haemorrhagica , but size, maculations (or lack thereof), and blue abdomen will readily separate it from this species.
Where is Meadow Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mud puddles, irrigation ditches, areas of high water-table adjacent to streams and rivers, and montane meadow. |
| Range | Central Valley of California to the northern Sierra Nevada (the Sierran montane meadow population may be a different sp./ssp., see specimen pictured in Plate 22 of Pearson, Knisley, & Kazilek ) |
What does Meadow Tiger Beetle eat?
The diet of the Meadow Tiger Beetle includes Small arthropods.
When is Meadow Tiger Beetle active?
Meadow Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - May-July.
What is the life cycle of a Meadow Tiger Beetle?
Single summer emergence of adults.