Upland Metallic Tiger Beetle
Tetracha impressa
This record describes Tetracha impressa (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The apical lunule (white area on the tips of the elytra) is fairly straight and constant in width. Rest of body blackish green, somewhat duller than T. carolina . In T. carolina , the white apical lunule gets distinctly wider toward the outside/forward ends. T. virginica has no distinct white areas on its elytra. our only representative of the large subg. Neotetracha Naviaux 2007 (55 spp.)
Wikipedia reference for Tetracha impressa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetracha impressa.
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
Moist upland areas with puddles and sparse grass
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) & Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Adults observed primarily May-Sep
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetracha impressa (Chevrolat 1841)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tetracha impressa. 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 Upland Metallic Tiger Beetle (9)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Joseph Connors, all rights reserved, uploaded by Joseph Connors | (c) vanwest, all rights reserved, uploaded by vanwest | (c) Jack Cochran, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jack Cochran | Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by TCMacRae , Mike Quinn , David Ferguson , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Upland Metallic Tiger Beetle
What is Upland Metallic Tiger Beetle?
Upland Metallic Tiger Beetle (Tetracha impressa) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Upland Metallic Tiger Beetle?
The apical lunule (white area on the tips of the elytra) is fairly straight and constant in width. Rest of body blackish green, somewhat duller than T. carolina . In T. carolina , the white apical lunule gets distinctly wider toward the outside/forward ends. T. virginica has no distinct white areas on its elytra.
Where is Upland Metallic Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Moist upland areas with puddles and sparse grass |
| Range | southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) & Mex. - Map |
When is Upland Metallic Tiger Beetle active?
Upland Metallic Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults observed primarily May-Sep.