Cicindelidae › Megacephalini › Megacephalina › Tetracha › Tetracha smaragdina
Tetracha smaragdina
(Dejean, 1826) · Species
Emerald Giant Tiger Beetle
Description
Emerald Giant Tiger Beetle, 20.5mm, open ground specialist, nocturnal, Neotropical — tiger beetle data, photos & distribution.
Key characters
Nocturnal–crepuscular.
Diagnosis
DIAGNOSIS — Tetracha Hope, 1838 Body 10–20 mm, robust Megacephalini habitus. Nocturnal–crepuscular.
Facts
- Tribe
- Megacephalini
- Subtribe
- Megacephalina
- Body length
- 20.5 mm
- Size class
- large
- Habitat
- open-ground
- Activity
- nocturnal
- Wings
- macropterous
- Bioregion
- Neotropical
- Distribution
- Ecuador, Peru, Brazil (Amazonas), Bolivia (Beni)
- Countries
- Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru
- Conservation
- NE
- Described by
- Bates, 1869
Phenology
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
Etymology
From Greek *tetra* (four) + *chálkē* (a hue/copper) — referring to four-coloured/four-spotted dorsum; alternatively "four-fingered" (mandibular structure).
FAQ
What is the Spinosa Tiger Beetle?
*Tetracha* Hope, 1838 is one of the largest genera in Megacephalini, with approximately 102 species prowling forest clearings and sandy or clay-loam substrates near water across the Americas. These robust, metallic beetles emerge after dark, hunting under moonlight on bare ground. Larvae develop in
Where does the Spinosa Tiger Beetle live?
It specialises in open ground habitats. distributed across the Pantropical region. with records from Ecuador,
External resources
GBIF · Wikipedia · iNaturalist
Data quality score: 74 · tier B_partial