Cicindela decemnotata bonnevillensis

As a subspecies of C. decemnotata, individuals share the species-level diagnostic features: green coloration with variable red on the head, pronotum, and elytra; bold white elytral markings with a media band that is sharply angled and does not reach the edge of the elytra; and a distinctive 'greasy' appearance. Subspecific distinctions rely on subtle morphological differences established through quantitative analysis (Knisley et al. 2012).

Associated with alkaline flats and sandy exposures within the former Lake Bonneville basin. The parent species C. decemnotata occupies open, sparsely vegetated habitats including alkaline exposures, sandy ridges, and sagebrush steppe with ribbons of bare ground suitable for thermoregulation and prey capture.

Endemic to the Lake Bonneville region of the northern Great Basin, primarily within Utah. The broader species C. decemnotata ranges from the northwestern Great Plains and northern Great Basin north to Yukon, with this subspecies representing the southwesternmost population.

Adults are active in late summer and fall. Field observations indicate peak activity during warm midday conditions, with beetles becoming less approachable as temperatures increase.

Adults are visual predators that actively run down prey. When disturbed, individuals may initially appear calm and approachable, but can rapidly flee using quick, darting movements. The species exhibits thermoregulatory behaviors including stilting (elevating the body on long legs) when active in open, sun-exposed habitats.

As a predatory beetle, functions as an invertebrate predator in open, early-successional habitats. Its association with post-glacial landscapes suggests a role in colonizing newly available habitat following glacial recession.

Subject of intensive taxonomic study due to its recent evolutionary origin and rapid radiation. The formal description of this subspecies was supported by both morphological and molecular data, contributing to understanding of post-glacial speciation patterns in tiger beetles. Like other tiger beetles, attracts interest from insect collectors and photographers.

• Cicindela decemnotata decemnotataNominate subspecies occurring further north; distinguished by morphometric differences in elytral markings and body proportions
• Cicindela limbalisMember of the same species complex occurring further east in the Great Plains; partially allopatric but shares green coloration with red markings
• Cicindela splendidaRelated species in the Great Plains with similar coloration; distinguished by distribution and subtle differences in elytral pattern

• tiger beetle
• subspecies
• post-glacial radiation
• Lake Bonneville
• alkaline habitat
• Coleoptera
• Carabidae
• Cicindelinae

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• One Bad Beetle | Beetles In The Bush
• Reunion in the Badlands… and beyond | Beetles In The Bush