Other Common Names
Pearson
(1) uses the name Eastern Red-bellied Tiger Beetle for this species. Sometimes called Red-Bellied Tiger Beetle or Redbelly Tiger Beetle.
Identification
The abdomen (under the elytra) is bright red, especially toward the rear of the insect. This trait is visible in hand, when they fly, or by getting down on the beetle's level.
See this image:
Range
Occurs sporadically from Arkansas and East Texas through West Virginia and Maryland, and south to Georgia and part of the Florida panhandle. Occurs even more sporadically in the Northeastern U.S. In Canada there are records from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Habitat
Likes clay soils, or clay mixed with gravel. Dirt roads are the most common site for this species.
See photo:
Season
Summer (June-August, most common June-July).
Life Cycle
One- or two-year life cycle. Burrows are found under rocks (subspecies
hentzi) and in clay (subspecies
rufiventris) according to Pearson
(1).
Remarks
Variable markings, but the red abdomen is distinctive.
Print References
Pearson, pp. 130-131, plate 18
(1)
Choate, pp. 88-90, plates 113-119, 203-204
(2)
