Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoleta

Large Grassland Tiger Beetle

Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoleta, the Large Grassland Tiger Beetle, is a of large tiger found in dry grassland of the southwestern United States. are active during summer months and are among the largest tiger beetles in their range. The nominate subspecies occurs from western Texas and eastern New Mexico northward into eastern Colorado, overlapping with related subspecies in some areas. It is distinguished from the disjunct Missouri/Arkansas (subspecies vulturina) by its summer adult and generally darker coloration with reduced elytral maculations.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoleta: /sɪˌsɪndəˈlɪdiə ˌɒbsəˈliːtə ˌɒbsəˈliːtə/

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Identification

The nominate C. o. obsoleta is characterized by large body size (among the largest North American tiger beetles), with coloration ranging from black to dark olive-green. Elytral maculations are typically reduced, often appearing as an inverted "V" at mid-, with marginal bands narrow or incomplete. It is distinguished from the western subspecies C. o. santaclarae by its darker, less vivid green coloration and less developed maculations. The disjunct eastern subspecies C. o. vulturina differs in its fall and more completely developed maculations.

Habitat

Dry grasslands, prairies, and open sandy or clay soils in xeric upland environments. In New Mexico, has been observed on sandy-loam two-tracks through dry grassland and in juniper/oak/pinyon woodland edges.

Distribution

Western Texas, eastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and eastern Colorado. The range extends northward from the main Texas , overlapping with and transitioning to other in western portions of the ' range.

Seasonality

Summer-active ; adult activity period occurs during warmer months rather than fall. This distinguishes the nominate from the disjunct Missouri/Arkansas (subspecies vulturina), which exhibits a fall adult .

Behavior

are fast-running, visually hunting typical of tiger beetles. They are wary and difficult to approach for photography, often taking when disturbed. In hot, xeric , adults may exhibit thermoregulatory including sun-facing to minimize thermal exposure and shade-seeking at the base of vegetation during midday heat.

Ecological Role

in grassland and open woodland , feeding on small arthropods. Likely serves as prey for birds, lizards, and other .

Human Relevance

Subject of interest for entomologists and insect photographers due to large size and striking appearance. studies of this and related have contributed to understanding of geographic variation and potential speciation in tiger beetles.

Similar Taxa

  • Cicindelidia obsoleta vulturinaDisjunct Missouri/Arkansas with fall versus summer activity in nominate ; more completely developed elytral maculations and generally olive-green rather than black coloration.
  • Cicindelidia obsoleta santaclaraeWestern occurring in New Mexico and Arizona; distinguished by brighter green coloration and more variable, often more extensive maculations.
  • Cicindelidia punctulataSmaller, more common with which it may co-occur; distinguished by single seta on basal antennomere (versus two in C. obsoleta), subparallel rather than subarcuate , and shinier elytral surface.

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