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Species Ellipsoptera hirtilabris - Moustached Tiger Beetle

Tiger Beetle - Ellipsoptera hirtilabris Portrait of a Tiger Beetle - Ellipsoptera hirtilabris Tiger Lovin' - Ellipsoptera hirtilabris - male - female Tiger Lovin' - Ellipsoptera hirtilabris - male - female Another - Ellipsoptera hirtilabris Tiger beetle - Ellipsoptera hirtilabris Very difficult to spot - Ellipsoptera hirtilabris Very difficult to spot - Ellipsoptera hirtilabris
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder Adephaga (Ground and Water Beetles)
Family Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
Subfamily Cicindelinae (Tiger Beetles)
Tribe Cicindelini (Flashy Tiger Beetles)
Genus Ellipsoptera (Ellipsed-winged Tiger Beetles)
Species hirtilabris (Moustached Tiger Beetle)
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Cicindela hirtilabris
Explanation of Names
At Words by William Whitaker, "hirti" translates to "hairy", and "labris" translates to "lip". This is most likely referring to the setae-covered labrum which is an key feature in identifying this species.
Size
9-11 mm
Identification
Dorsal surfaces are coppery with large maculations over much of the elytra. White setae cover much of the head and pronotum.
Range
Peninsular Florida and extreme southeastern Georgia.
Habitat
It occurs in scrub habitat, frequently with C. abdominalis and C. scabrosa. (1)
Also, found commonly in dry white sand areas including trails, road edges, and open areas with sparse vegetation.
Food
predaceous
See Also
C. hirtilabris occurs during the summer months in sand scrub habitat throughout peninsular Florida. In northern Florida and the panhandle this species is replaced by C. gratiosa.
Print References
"A Field Guide and Identification Manual for Florida & Eastern U.S. Tiger Beetles" (1), p. 112
Internet References
The USGS Northern Prarie Wildlife Research Centerhas photos of pinned specimens and a range map.
The University of Florida has a key to the Tiger Beetles of Florida, including C. hirtilabris.
University of Florida also has info and photos on their Featured Creatures page for Tiger Beetles.