Cicindela scutellaris

Say, 1823

festive tiger beetle

Species Guides

7

Cicindela scutellaris, commonly known as the festive tiger , is a widespread North American tiger beetle occupying deep, dry sand east of the Rocky Mountains. The species exhibits extraordinary geographic variability in coloration and maculation patterns across its range, with seven generally accepted recognized. in Missouri represent a notable intergrade zone between northern and southeastern subspecies. The species is frequently associated with Cicindela formosa (big sand tiger beetle) in suitable habitats.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cicindela scutellaris: //sɪˈsɪndələ skuːtəˈlærɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from the similar-appearing Cicindela sexguttata (six-spotted tiger ) by: more noticeably domed elytral profile; rounded rather than tapered elytral apex; and sexually dimorphic color (white in males, dark in females versus white in both sexes of C. sexguttata). identification requires geographic context and assessment of ground color and maculation development. Intergrade in southeastern Missouri show variable expression of characters from adjacent subspecies.

Habitat

Deep, dry sand without standing water, including sand prairies, dunes, blowouts, sand barrens, road cuts, and exposed sand deposits in agricultural fields. Requires open, sunny conditions; shade from encroaching vegetation or tree cover negatively impacts . In Missouri, occurs on alluvial sand deposits associated with the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and on Tertiary sand deposits of Crowley's Ridge and the Sikeston and Malden Sand Ridges.

Distribution

Widespread across central and eastern North America, recorded from most areas east of the Rocky Mountains except Appalachia, the lower Mississippi River delta, and south Florida. In Canada, present in prairie provinces. In the United States, occupy distinct regions: lecontei in Midwest and northeast; unicolor in southeastern Coastal Plain; rugifrons on upper Atlantic Coast; rugata in eastern Texas and adjacent states; flavoviridis in north-central Texas; nominate scutellaris in Great Plains; and yampae restricted to northwestern Colorado. Missouri are disjunct in three widely separated areas (northwest, northeast, and southeast corners of state).

Seasonality

active in spring and fall; specific timing varies by latitude. In southeastern Missouri, adults have been observed in April and September-October. Activity peaks during warm, sunny conditions.

Diet

Predatory; like other tiger beetles, feeds on small arthropods. Specific prey items not documented in sources.

Life Cycle

Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larvae are burrow-dwelling in sandy substrates. Adults dig burrows for overnight shelter and during unfavorable conditions. Detailed timing not specified in sources.

Behavior

, active that runs quickly across open sand surfaces. are skittish and difficult to approach for photography. Males hold legs out horizontally during mating, a posture of uncertain function. Males possess more heavily padded on front legs, thought to aid in grasping and holding females during mating. Adults dig burrows for shelter.

Ecological Role

in open sand ; contributes to in these . Dependent on disturbance regimes (fire, native grazers, flood deposition) to maintain open sand conditions required for survival.

Human Relevance

Subject of entomological collecting and photography. in Missouri have been surveyed to assess conservation status; currently considered secure in southeastern lowlands. Agricultural conversion of sand prairie has eliminated some historical localities, though the persists in disturbed agricultural fields with exposed sand.

Similar Taxa

  • Cicindela sexguttataSimilar bright green coloration and white maculations, but distinguished by tapered (not rounded) elytral apex, less domed elytral profile, and white in both sexes (versus sexually dimorphic labrum in C. scutellaris).
  • Cicindela formosaFrequently co-occurs in same ; larger size and different coloration patterns distinguish it.
  • Cicindela scutellaris rugifronsIntergrade in Missouri resemble this Atlantic coastal in general appearance, but rugifrons is geographically restricted to the northern Atlantic seaboard.

More Details

Subspecies and Intergradation

Seven are generally accepted, with considerable variation within some and along contact zones. A broad zone of intergradation between lecontei and nominate scutellaris occurs along the upper Missouri River. The southeastern Missouri represents an intergrade between lecontei and unicolor, extending the known zone of intergradation further north than previously documented.

Conservation Notes

Missouri were surveyed to determine if conservation measures were needed; the was found to be secure in the southeastern lowlands due to persistence in agricultural landscapes with exposed sand, though presettlement sand prairie relicts have been largely eliminated.

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Sources and further reading