Cicindelidia haemorrhagica arizonae

Distinguishable from the nominate subspecies C. h. haemorrhagica and other C. haemorrhagica subspecies by geographic origin and potentially by subtle differences in elytral coloration and maculation pattern. The species C. haemorrhagica generally exhibits reddish-brown to coppery elytra with variable white markings. Close examination of genitalic structures or molecular analysis may be required for definitive subspecies identification. May be confused with other Cicindelidia species occurring in saline or alkaline habitats in the southwestern United States.

Likely associated with saline or alkaline habitats given the species epithet 'haemorrhagica' (wetsalts tiger beetle) and the known ecology of related subspecies. The nominate subspecies inhabits hot springs and salt flats. Specific habitat requirements for C. h. arizonae remain undocumented but presumably include saline or alkaline substrates in Arizona or adjacent regions.

Arizona and potentially adjacent southwestern United States based on the subspecies epithet. The broader species C. haemorrhagica ranges across western North America including Idaho, Wyoming, and other western states.

Adults are predatory, feeding on small invertebrates captured through active hunting. Specific prey items for this subspecies have not been documented.

Adults of the species C. haemorrhagica exhibit the characteristic run-stop-run pattern typical of tiger beetles, necessitated by visual processing limitations at high running speeds. The nominate subspecies shows reduced thermoregulatory behaviors despite extreme thermal environments, but whether C. h. arizonae shares this behavioral pattern is unknown.

Predator in saline or alkaline ecosystem food webs. Potential prey for birds, lizards, and other insectivores.

• Cicindelidia haemorrhagica haemorrhagicaNominate subspecies; differs in geographic distribution (Yellowstone/Idaho area) and has been extensively studied for hot springs adaptation
• Cicindelidia haemorrhagica woodgateiAnother subspecies; known from alkaline lake margins in southeastern New Mexico

• tiger beetle
• Cicindelidae
• alkaline habitat
• saline habitat
• predatory beetle
• western North America

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon
• These Tiger Beetles Thrive in Yellowstone Hot Springs—But How?
• Cicindelidae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 8
• Zygophyllaceae | Beetles In The Bush