Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea nigrocoerulea
Black Sky Tiger Beetle
A of tiger in the Cicindelidia, known from the southwestern United States. are active during fall months and occur in dry grassland and alkaline flat . The subspecific epithet indicates this is the nominate form of the .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea nigrocoerulea: /sɪˌsɪndɪˈliːdiə ˌnɪɡroʊˌsɛruˈliːə ˌnɪɡroʊˌsɛruˈliːə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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
Seasonality
Fall-active; observed in September.
Behavior
. Has been observed running on exposed substrates including sandy 2-tracks and alkaline flats.
Ecological Role
Predatory in open grassland and alkaline flat .
Human Relevance
Subject of interest to entomological collectors and photographers. appear localized and relatively scarce.
Similar Taxa
- Cicindelidia punctulataSimilar size and general form, but distinguished by single seta on basal antennomere, subparallel slightly wider posteriorly, and shinier elytral surface. C. punctulata also exhibits greenish coloration in western (C. p. chihuahuae) versus blue, green, or black in C. nigrocoerulea.
- Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoletaSympatric in dry grassland ; larger size and different elytral pattern distinguish C. obsoleta.
Misconceptions
A specimen initially identified as this at Lea Lake was subsequently determined to be a dark-colored Cicindelidia punctulata, highlighting identification challenges. The iNaturalist record from Mydas Alley was based on a single dead individual, suggesting the species may be genuinely rare or difficult to detect in that area.