Download Taxonomy Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta

Tiger Beetle
By: Maria Maul
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Carabidal
Genus: Cicindela
Subspecies: Cicindela sperata sperata
Habitats
Tiger beetle adults are active predators in areas such as beaches, salt
flats, riverbanks, and grasslands. Tiger Beetles are found throughout
the world. They have patterns on there wings for example a Rio
Grande Tiger Beetle which adapt to dry land. Tiger Beetle’s can also
adapt to Marine Biomes such as away from the ocean shore or
muddy or sandy shore biome.
Phylogeny
Tiger beetles come from the phylum,
Anthropoda which include insects,
arachnids, and crustaceans. They are
characterized by their jointed limbs and
cuticles. Their nervous system is “latter like”
with paired ventral nerve cords. Rio Grande
Tiger Beetle are found in Texas and New
Mexico. They are considered polyphyletic
because they do not share a common
ancestor.
Interesting facts:
Tiger Beetle’s are one of the
fastest species, they can run up
to 9km/h (5.6mph).
Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Vol. 3 Insects, Michael Hutchins, Ed. Arthur V. Evan
Rosser W. and Neil Schlager, Eds. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group, 2003
Sharp Jay W., (n.d.). Desert Food Chain: The Insects Part 12. Retrieved from
http://desertusa.com/mag06/jan/food12.html
Kinisley, C. (2010, November). Anthropogenic disturbances and rare tiger beetle habitats: benefits,
risks, and implications for conservation. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=57829753&site=ehost-live
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The Tiger Beetle’s lay their eggs in
soil. There are 3 Stages of larval the
tiger beetle’s go though. The burrow
grows about 18 inches and survives
without food for weeks. When the
tiger beetle is ready to eat, it waits
for a small arthropod to attack. Then
the larva from the tiger beetle gets
it’s prey and devours it. This is during
the second stage. The third stage
The tiger beetle forms a pupal cell
and transforms from larva to adult.
This forms a exoskeleton and it’s
shell starts to harden. Mating occurs
quickly and repeated mating occurs
later throughout it’s life span.