Cicindela hirticollis shelfordi

The surest distinguishing character from the similar C. repanda is the shape of the humeral lunule: "G"-shaped in C. h. shelfordi (posterior portion nearly transverse, angling sharply anteriorly on inner edge) versus "C"-shaped in C. repanda (never curling forward on inner edge). Additional supporting characters include stockier body build, slightly more coppery coloration, and bolder white markings. In Missouri, C. h. shelfordi is always found in association with C. repanda in wet sand habitats along large rivers, though in much lower numbers.

Adults have a stockier, more robust build than C. repanda, with a slightly coppery metallic cast to the body. The white maculations (markings) on the elytra are somewhat bolder and more distinct. Most diagnostic is the humeral lunule—the white marking on the "shoulders" of the elytra just behind the pronotum—which is "G"-shaped with a posterior portion that is nearly transverse and angles sharply anteriorly on its inner edge. This contrasts with the "C"-shaped humeral lunule of C. repanda, which never curls forward on its inner edge.

Restricted to wet sand habitats along large river systems, specifically sandbars and beaches of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Found on stark, barren sand surfaces with little to no debris or vegetation cover. Avoids wetter areas at the water's edge and sand-free soils further from the river. Habitat is characterized by wide open spaces with exposed substrates that heat rapidly in direct sun.

Recorded from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Within the United States, confirmed from Missouri along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers (Cape Girardeau County, Mississippi County, New Madrid County). Also present in Nebraska and likely other states within the Mississippi and Missouri River watersheds. GBIF records indicate presence in Middle America and North America broadly.

Adults active in late July and early August based on observation records from Missouri. Activity coincides with periods of extreme heat, when thermoregulatory behaviors are employed.

Extremely wary and difficult to approach for observation or photography. Adults are highly active and quick to fly when disturbed, or run incessantly when approached. Exhibits "stilting" and "sun-facing" behavior—thermoregulatory postures where the beetle stands on long legs with body elevated and oriented toward the sun—when soil surface temperatures reach lethal levels for many other insects. This behavior allows intermittent pauses that may provide limited opportunities for close observation.

• Cicindela repandaCo-occurs in same habitats and is similar in general appearance; distinguished by "C"-shaped (not "G"-shaped) humeral lunule, less stocky build, less coppery coloration, and more subdued white markings. C. repanda is far more abundant and widespread along waterways throughout the state.
• Ellipsoptera cuprascensShares wet sand riverine habitats and coppery coloration; distinguished by different elytral maculation pattern and body proportions. Also extremely wary and difficult to approach.

• tiger beetle
• riparian
• sandbar habitat
• thermoregulation
• wary behavior

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
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