Cicindelidia highlandensis

Distinguished from the closely related Cicindelidia abdominalis by the complete lack of white setae on the pronotum and mes- and metepisterna (lateral thoracic areas above middle and hind legs); C. abdominalis possesses fine decumbent setae in these locations. Distinguished from C. scabrosa and C. floridana by smooth rather than deeply punctured elytra and absence of dense lateral pronotal setae. The very small apical elytral markings and restricted Lake Wales Ridge distribution provide additional confirmation.

Restricted to remnant sand scrubland and pine woodland habitats on the Lake Wales Ridge. Occurs in open, fire-mediated environments with quick-draining sands, often found along trails maintained by human disturbance and in larger naturally open scrub areas. The Lake Wales Ridge represents ancient shorelines deposited when peninsular Florida was submerged, creating desert-like habitats dominated by oaks, pines, and drought-tolerant vegetation.

Endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge of Polk and Highlands Counties in central Florida, USA. The species' entire range is confined to this narrow geographic band of ancient sand ridges.

Adults active primarily during summer months, with peak activity in July and August. Late season observations in September have been documented but are less reliable.

Adults exhibit extreme wariness and make very short escape flights when disturbed, making close approach difficult despite being relatively easy to follow. Demonstrates thermoregulatory "stilting" behavior—standing high on elongated legs to minimize heat absorption from hot sand substrates. Shows distinct preference for congregating along open trails and naturally open scrub areas maintained by disturbance regimes.

Predatory tiger beetle occupying open sand habitats in fire-dependent ecosystems. Its presence indicates intact sand scrub communities with appropriate disturbance regimes.

Subject of conservation concern due to severe habitat loss; candidate for federal endangered species listing since 1991 but remains unlisted by Florida state authorities. Largest populations occur on public and private conservation lands with active management. Frequently sought by specialist entomologists and naturalists, with specific localities generally treated with discretion to prevent collection pressure.

• Cicindelidia abdominalisShares smooth elytra and glabrous pronotum, but possesses fine decumbent setae on pronotum and mes- and metepisterna; widespread across southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain rather than endemic to Lake Wales Ridge
• Cicindelidia scabrosaHas distinctly punctured rather than smooth elytra and dense white setae along lateral pronotal margins; occurs in sand pine scrub across peninsular Florida north of Miami-Dade County
• Cicindelidia floridanaHas distinctly punctured elytra and dense lateral pronotal setae; restricted to pine rockland in Miami-Dade County with brilliant coppery-green rather than dark blue coloration

• endemic
• endangered
• Florida
• tiger beetle
• Lake Wales Ridge
• sand scrub
• fire-dependent ecosystem

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Revisiting the Highlands tiger beetle (Cicindelidia highlandensis) | Beetles In The Bush
• Mini-review of the Cicindelidia abdominalis species-group | Beetles In The Bush
• Highlands Tiger Beetle | Beetles In The Bush
• The (almost) Florida-endemic Cicindelidia scabrosa | Beetles In The Bush