Cicindela lengi jordai
Rotger, 1974
Jorda's Tiger Beetle
Cicindela lengi jordai is a southwestern of the blowout tiger beetle, distinguished from the nominate subspecies by broadly coalesced elytral maculations. It inhabits dry sand including blowouts, dune margins, sand flats, and sandy roadsides in the Great Plains region. The subspecies was described by Rotger in 1974 and is considered uncommon throughout its range despite relatively broad habitat .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cicindela lengi jordai: /sɪˈsɪndələ ˈlɛŋɡi ˈhɔrdaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from Cicindela lengi lengi by broadly coalesced elytral maculations (spot patterns on wing covers merge together rather than remaining separate). Distinguished from the superficially similar Cicindela formosa by: slightly narrower body form; longer, narrower ; and obliquely straight humeral marking versus the C-shaped marking in C. formosa. Behavioral cue: lands quickly after short versus C. formosa's longer flights with bouncing, tumbling landings.
Habitat
Dry sand including sand blowouts, dune margins, sand flats, and sandy roadsides. Has been observed on sand bars along rivers. In the northern part of the ' range, inhabits coniferous forest along sandy roadsides. Appears to favor very fine-grained sand over coarser-grained sands typical of some sandhill regions.
Distribution
Southwestern portion of Cicindela lengi range: southwestern United States (including Colorado) and potentially adjacent areas. GBIF records indicate presence in USA and Canada, though specific distribution boundaries require verification.
Seasonality
active in late summer; observed in September in Nebraska and in June in Colorado.
Behavior
Alert and quick to fly. Lands quickly after short , in contrast to related that fly further distances. are active runners in open sandy areas.
Ecological Role
Predatory tiger occupying dry sand in Great Plains .
Similar Taxa
- Cicindela lengi lengiNominate with separate (non-coalesced) elytral maculations versus broadly coalesced maculations in C. l. jordai
- Cicindela formosaConvergent appearance in similar ; distinguished by C-shaped humeral marking, bulkier body, shorter legs, and tumbling landing
- Cicindela lengi versutaNorthern with distinct coppery underside to versus southwestern subspecies C. l. jordai with coalesced maculations
More Details
Subspecies differentiation
The three recognized of Cicindela lengi show distinct geographic patterns: C. l. lengi (nominate) throughout core range, C. l. versuta in northern areas with coppery thoracic underside, and C. l. jordai in southwestern range with coalesced elytral maculations.
Taxonomic placement
Despite convergent appearance with Cicindela formosa in the nominate subgenus, C. lengi belongs to subgenus Cicindela (Tribonia), distinguished by longer narrower body and male genitalia characteristics.