Florida Metallic Tiger Beetle
Tetracha floridana
This record describes Tetracha floridana (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsal surface dark greenish-black with pale apical elytral lunules; humeral region dark green or black, lacking violet reflections. Nocturnal. Comes to lights. Apparently, does not fly often.
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
Coastal saltwater marshes and mud flats.
Geographic Range
restricted to the Gulf coast of Florida from Dixie County south to the Keys
Seasonal Activity
Adults mostly active in May and September–December.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Like all tiger beetles, this species is predaceous on smaller insects.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tetracha floridana. 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 Florida Metallic Tiger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted C. MacRae; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Metallic Tiger Beetle
What is Florida Metallic Tiger Beetle?
Florida Metallic Tiger Beetle (Tetracha floridana) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Florida Metallic Tiger Beetle?
Dorsal surface dark greenish-black with pale apical elytral lunules; humeral region dark green or black, lacking violet reflections.
Where is Florida Metallic Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Coastal saltwater marshes and mud flats. |
| Range | restricted to the Gulf coast of Florida from Dixie County south to the Keys |
What does Florida Metallic Tiger Beetle eat?
The diet of the Florida Metallic Tiger Beetle includes Like all tiger beetles, this species is predaceous on smaller insects..
When is Florida Metallic Tiger Beetle active?
Florida Metallic Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults mostly active in May and September–December..