Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle
Tetracha carolina
This record describes Tetracha carolina (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
(Adult) dorsal surface glossy metallic green, often mixed with red or purple; large cream-colored spots (apical lunules) at apex of elytra Differentiation of larvae of T. virginica vs. T. carolina may be possible. Quoting from Hamilton * Designation of ocelli (simple eyes) (technically stemmata ): *Note that this key was written before the description of T. floridana . Nocturnal. Comes to lights. Apparently, does not fly often.
Wikipedia reference for Tetracha carolina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetracha_carolina.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cicindelinae
- Tribe
- Megacephalini
- Genus
- Tetracha (Metallic Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sandbanks of rivers, pastures, open, disturbed areas; often near water. Hides under boards, rocks, trash, etc. during day.
Geographic Range
so. US (CA-FL-VA-OK) to S. America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetracha carolina (Linnaeus 1767)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tetracha carolina. 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 Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , TCMacRae , Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle
What is Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle?
Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle (Tetracha carolina) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle?
12-20 mm
How do you identify Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle?
(Adult) dorsal surface glossy metallic green, often mixed with red or purple; large cream-colored spots (apical lunules) at apex of elytra Differentiation of larvae of T. virginica vs. T. carolina may be possible. Quoting from Hamilton * Designation of ocelli (simple eyes) (technically stemmata ): *Note that this key was written before the description of T. floridana .
Where is Carolina Metallic Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sandbanks of rivers, pastures, open, disturbed areas; often near water. Hides under boards, rocks, trash, etc. during day. |
| Range | so. US (CA-FL-VA-OK) to S. America |