Cicindelidia obsoleta santaclarae
Santa Clara Grassland Tiger Beetle
A of the large grassland tiger beetle distinguished by bright green coloration and relatively well-developed elytral maculations compared to other subspecies. are active during summer months and exhibit the classic 'summer' pattern. The subspecies occurs in New Mexico and Arizona, where individuals show considerable color variation from black to bright green.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cicindelidia obsoleta santaclarae: /sɪˌsɪndɪˈlɪdiə ˌɒbsəˈliːtə ˌsæntəˈklɑːri/
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Identification
Distinguished from nominate C. o. obsoleta by brighter green coloration rather than black to olive-green; from C. o. vulturina by thicker, more complete elytral maculations and summer rather than fall ; from C. o. neojuvenilis by geographic range. Individuals may range from black with no maculations to bright green with complete white markings.
Habitat
Grassland , particularly in montane and submontane zones.
Distribution
New Mexico and Arizona.
Seasonality
Summer-active; present during typical summer months rather than fall.
Behavior
are , fast-running . Like other Cicindelidia , they are visual hunters that pursue prey on open ground.
Ecological Role
in grassland .
Similar Taxa
- Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoletaNominate with black to olive-green coloration and reduced maculations, occurring further east in Texas and Oklahoma.
- Cicindelidia obsoleta vulturinaDisjunct in Missouri and Arkansas with fall and generally darker, less maculated appearance.
- Cicindelidia obsoleta neojuvenilisSouth Texas with distinct geographic range.