Unique atlases with photos. Cicindelidae, commonly known as tiger beetles, is a family of beetles comprising over 2,600 species. These insects are characterized by their predatory behavior, vibrant colors, and remarkable speed. They are primarily found in subtropical and tropical regions, often inhabiting sunny paths or sandy areas. Book about Beetles

Cicindelidae

Tiger Beetles

Family Cicindelidae

 

You can find here: Carabidae, Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Scarabaeidae, Lucanidae, Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae, Staphylinidae

Cicindelidae

Tiger Beetles

Tiger Beetles of Orient, Tiger Beetles of Africa, Tiger Beetles of the World

Taxonomy and Classification

Try New modern shop – insect-books.store

Historically, tiger beetles were classified as an independent family (Cicindelidae), but modern classifications typically place them within the family Carabidae as a subfamily (Cicindelinae) or as a supertribe (Cicindelitae) within Carabinae. The genus Cicindela is the most recognized within this family, containing numerous species that exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns.

Genera Overview

The Cicindelidae family includes several genera, with Cicindela being the largest. Other notable genera include:

Collyris

Cratohaerea

Ctenostoma

Cylindera

Dromica

These genera encompass a variety of species adapted to different habitats, including sandy shores, riverbanks, and woodland paths.

Family Cicindelidae Latreille, 1802

Tribe Cicindelini Latreille, 1802

• Subtribe Apteroessina Rivalier, 1971
• Subtribe Cicindelina Latreille, 1802
• Subtribe Dromicina J. Thomson, 1859
• Subtribe Iresiina Rivalier, 1971 P
• Subtribe Theratina W. Horn, 1893

Tribe Collyridini Brullé, 1834

• Subtribe Collyridina Brullé, 1834
• Subtribe Tricondylina Naviaux, 1991

Tribe Ctenostomatini Laporte, 1834
Tribe Manticorini Laporte, 1834
Tribe Megacephalini Laporte, 1834
Tribe Oxycheilini J. Thomson, 1857

Physical Characteristics

Tiger beetles are slender and long-legged, typically measuring between 10 to 20 mm in length. They possess large, bulging eyes that aid in their predatory lifestyle. Their exoskeletons can be iridescent blue, green, orange, or scarlet due to both pigments and structural coloration. Many species exhibit distinctive markings on their elytra (wing covers), which can include scroll-like patterns3.

Behavior and Ecology

Tiger beetles are known for their aggressive predation. Both adults and larvae actively hunt various prey such as insects and spiders. The larvae create vertical burrows where they ambush passing prey using sickle-shaped mandibles. Adults are also quick runners and fliers; some species can run at speeds of up to 2.5 meters per second (about 5.6 mph), making them among the fastest insects on Earth.

Habitat and Distribution

These beetles thrive in diverse environments ranging from sea shores to sandy dunes and clay banks. They are often used as indicators of ecological health due to their sensitivity to habitat changes.

In summary, the Cicindelidae family showcases a fascinating array of species with unique adaptations that make them effective predators in their respective ecosystems.

Family Cicindelidae: Advantages and Disadvantages

Introduction

The family Cicindelidae, commonly known as tiger beetles, consists of over 2,600 species of beetles recognized for their predatory habits and impressive speed. These beetles are found worldwide, often inhabiting sunny, sandy areas near bodies of water. This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages associated with the family Cicindelidae.

Advantages

• Ecological Role: Predation
  Tiger beetles are voracious predators, feeding on a variety of insects and spiders. This helps maintain ecological balance by controlling pest populations, which can be beneficial for agriculture and natural ecosystems.

• Biodiversity Indicators
  Due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, tiger beetles serve as excellent indicators of biodiversity and ecosystem health.

• Speed and Agility
  Tiger beetles are among the fastest insects on Earth, with some species reaching speeds of up to 2.5 meters per second. This speed allows them to efficiently hunt and evade predators. Their agility and rapid movement make them fascinating subjects for scientific study, particularly in the fields of biomechanics and sensory perception.

• Diverse Habitats
  Tiger beetles inhabit a wide range of environments, from sandy beaches to woodland paths, contributing to their ecological diversity and adaptability.

Disadvantages

• Predation Pressure
  While tiger beetles help control pest populations, they can also exert significant predation pressure on beneficial insects. This might disrupt local food chains if their populations become too dominant.

• Potential for Overexploitation
  The larvae of tiger beetles are often targeted by parasitic wasps, which can lead to overexploitation of certain tiger beetle species. This could impact their populations and ecological roles.

• Limited Defensive Mechanisms
  Despite their speed, tiger beetles have limited defensive mechanisms against larger predators. Their reliance on speed and agility makes them vulnerable in certain situations.

• Environmental Sensitivity
  Tiger beetles are sensitive to environmental changes, which can make them vulnerable to habitat destruction and climate change. This sensitivity, while useful for monitoring ecosystems, also poses a threat to their survival.

Conclusion

The family Cicindelidae offers numerous ecological benefits, including pest control and biodiversity monitoring. However, their predation activities and environmental sensitivity also present challenges. Understanding these aspects is crucial for managing ecosystems effectively and ensuring the long-term survival of these fascinating insects.