Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea
(LeConte, 1848)
Black Sky Tiger Beetle
Species Guides
3- Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea bowditchi(Bowditch's Tiger Beetle)
- Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea nigrocoerulea(Black Sky Tiger Beetle)
- Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea subtropica(Subtropic Tiger Beetle)
A tiger in the Cicindelidia, commonly known as the Black Sky Tiger Beetle. The species has been recorded in dry grassland with sandy or clay substrates, particularly in the southwestern United States. Field observations indicate it is active during late summer and fall, with running on open ground. The species is considered uncommon and can be confused with the more widespread Cicindelidia punctulata.
Identification
Distinguished from the similar Cicindelidia punctulata by two setae on the basal antennomere (versus one in C. punctulata), subarcuate rather than subparallel that are rounded laterally, and a generally dull rather than shiny elytral surface. Coloration is typically blue, green, or black rather than brown.
Habitat
Dry grasslands with sandy or red clay substrates; alkaline flats along lake margins.
Distribution
Recorded from New Mexico (Roosevelt County, Chaves County), with historical records from Bitter Lake National Wildlife . GBIF records indicate presence in Mexico and the United States.
Seasonality
active in late summer and fall; observed in September.
Behavior
are fast-running active on open ground. One observation documents scavenging at a salmon oil pit alongside other tiger .
Human Relevance
Subject of interest to entomologists and tiger collectors due to its relative rarity and identification challenges. Misidentification with common complicates assessment.
Similar Taxa
- Cicindelidia punctulataSimilar size and general form; distinguished by single seta on basal antennomere, subparallel wider posteriorly, and shinier elytral surface. Color typically greenish or brown rather than blue, green, or black.
- Cicindela formosa rutilovirescensSympatric in sandy grassland ; distinguished by different elytral pattern and coloration.
Misconceptions
A specimen initially identified as C. nigrocoerulea at Lea Lake, New Mexico based on dark coloration and rounded was subsequently determined to be C. punctulata after expert discussion, highlighting the difficulty of field identification and the importance of antennal setae examination.