Cicindela scutellaris lecontei

Distinguished from Cicindela sexguttata by more noticeably domed elytral profile, rounded elytral apex, and dark labrum of female (both sexes of C. sexguttata have white labrum). Differs from subspecies unicolor by presence of continuous to near-continuous ivory marginal elytral markings and duller maroon-olive coloration rather than uniform shiny blue-green. Intergrade individuals in southeastern Missouri show variable development of white maculations ranging from absent to well-developed apical "C"-shaped marks.

Deep, dry sand habitats without standing water. Occupies sand barrens, sand prairies, and erosional sand ridges. In Missouri, found on Crowley's Ridge, Sikeston Sand Ridge, and other Tertiary sand deposits.

Midwestern and northeastern United States. Recorded from northern Missouri along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, with populations extending northward and eastward. Intergrades with unicolor in southeastern Missouri and along upper Mississippi River region.

• Cicindela sexguttataSimilar bright green coloration and white maculations, but distinguished by less domed elytra, tapered elytral apex, and white labrum in both sexes.
• Cicindela scutellaris unicolorIntergrades with lecontei; unicolor typically uniform shiny blue-green without marginal maculations, while lecontei shows dull maroon-olive coloration with continuous ivory marginal markings.
• Cicindela scutellaris rugifronsSimilar appearance with bright green coloration and white maculations, but rugifrons restricted to northern Atlantic seaboard and not sympatric with lecontei.
• Cicindela formosaFrequently co-occurs in same dry sand habitats; larger size distinguishes it from C. scutellaris.

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Cicindela scutellaris lecontei x scutellaris unicolor intergrades in southeast Missouri | Beetles In The Bush