Methodology
How the World Tiger Beetle Database was built — and why it can be trusted.
The 194-character matrix
Each of the 240 genera and subgenera is scored across 194 morphological, ecological, biogeographical, and phenological characters. Characters are organised into 22 groups covering: habitus, head, labrum, mandibles, pronotum, elytra, legs, tarsi, abdomen, genitalia, pterothorax, antennae, eyes, behavioural, physiological, morphometric, larval, molecular, biogeographic, and special characters.
Validation protocol
The matrix has gone through 14 independent validation cycles (v8 → v54), each cross-checking claims against primary literature. Every taxonomic claim is tagged with its source reference. Where sources conflict, the conflict is explicitly resolved in a documented audit log — not silently averaged.
Primary validation sources include Wiesner (2020), Pearson & Vogler (2001), Moravec (2002–2020), Acciavatti & Pearson (1989), Bouchard et al. (2011, 2017, 2024), Duran & Gough (2020, 2022), Matalin (2019, 2023, 2024), and Wiesner (2013–2024).
Data quality ratings
Each species record carries a confidence profile across six dimensions and an overall data quality score (0–100):
- geo — geographic distribution accuracy (H/I/M/0)
- bio — bioregion assignment (H/I/M/0)
- morph — morphological data completeness (H/I/M/0)
- pheno — phenology data quality S0–S6 (H/I/M/0)
- elev — elevation data quality (H/I/M/0)
- obs — observation record density (H/I/M/0)
Phenology S0–S6 rating
Adult flight period data uses a six-level quality scale: S0 (no data), S1 (single unverified record), S2 (multiple records, low confidence), S3 (regional pattern inferred), S4 (literature-confirmed seasonal pattern), S5 (multi-source verified), S6 (primary observation with specimen data).
Taxonomic authority
The taxonomic framework follows Wiesner (2020) Checklist of the Tiger Beetles of the World (2nd edition) as the primary authority. Family-level nomenclature follows Duran & Gough (2020, Systematic Entomology 45: 723–729). All post-2020 additions are incorporated with source references.
How to cite
Štrunc, V. (2026). World Tiger Beetles Database — Cicindelidae matrix v54. Available at: https://world-tiger-beetles.com [accessed DATE].