Metallic irridescent beetle - Tetracha carolina

Tiger Beetle: Megacephala carolina

Nice photo. This genus is nocturnal and hard to spot. This is a Tiger Beetle, Tetracha carolina--Tiger Beetles of the United States, also illustrated in Tiger Beetles of Florida. I think now usually placed in genus Megacephala.

The coloration and wide tan bands at the tip of the abdomen are distinctive, I think. I've not seen it here in North Carolina (or anywhere else), but friends of mine have. Good find!

Patrick Coin
Durham, North Carolina

… Cotinis, 1 August, 2004 - 10:59pm

Tiger Beetle: Megacephala carolina

Patrick: I completely agree with your ID after reading your cited references. I also found a good photo and description at http://members.aol.com/askdrjay/megcar.htm which perfectly match my experience with this beetle. Thanks again for your assistance on this one.

… Lew Scharpf, 2 August, 2004 - 11:30am

Another tiger beetle?

Looks like a tiger beetle, but we can't see the jaws and are surprised it didn't just fly away. The color pattern is unusual for us. Only two links we found: one from Cyprus!
http://www.cicindelaonline.com/gallery.htm
and one from Texas
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/insects/tigb/usa/103.htm
maybe that will start the search for you

… john and jane balaban, 1 August, 2004 - 5:47pm

Another Tiger Beetle

Thanks John and Jayne. I have indeed done some searching specifically at http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/insects/tigb/al/toc.htm which depicts images of Alabama Tiger Beetles but none seem to match.

… Lew Scharpf, 1 August, 2004 - 7:10pm