Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle
Tetracha virginica
This record describes Tetracha virginica (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult Tetracha virginica is easy to recognize, as its elytra are entirely green, lacking the apical tan marks of the other three species. 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. See detail image of head: flightless, nocturnal; comes to lights
Wikipedia reference for Tetracha virginica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetracha_virginica.
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
open grassy areas & at edges of lakes/rivers; common in suburban areas
Geographic Range
e US (NJ-FL to WI-NE-TX)
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Aug in the north, Mar-Nov in the south
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetracha virginica ( Linnaeus 1767)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tetracha virginica. 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 Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle (6)
Photo credits: (c) Patrick Coin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | (c) Brad Moon, all rights reserved, uploaded by Brad Moon | Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , TCMacRae , Nick Block , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle
What is Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle?
Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle (Tetracha virginica) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle?
16-25 mm
How do you identify Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle?
Adult Tetracha virginica is easy to recognize, as its elytra are entirely green, lacking the apical tan marks of the other three species. 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. See detail image of head:
Where is Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | open grassy areas & at edges of lakes/rivers; common in suburban areas |
| Range | e US (NJ-FL to WI-NE-TX) |
When is Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle active?
Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - Jul-Aug in the north, Mar-Nov in the south.