Cicindelidia obsoleta vulturina

Large size (among the largest tiger beetles in its range, exceeded only by Tetracha virginica in Missouri and Arkansas). Main population characterized by jet-black dorsal surface contrasting with metallic blue genae (cheeks) and intense violaceous (purplish) tibiae. Disjunct population shows variable coloration from bright green to dull olive-green to dark green and brown, with maculations ranging from complete to interrupted. Distinguished from other Cicindelidia species by combination of size, coloration, and habitat preference for open rocky grasslands and glades.

Open grassland habitats, rocky grasslands, dolomite glades, and sandstone glades. In the Wichita Mountains, found in small woodland openings near bovid chips and on grassy higher slopes. In Missouri and Arkansas, restricted to dolomite and sandstone glade ecosystems. Prefers older, level rock exposures with at least some vegetation over newer, steeply sloped, or completely barren exposures.

Two disjunct populations: main population in Texas and Oklahoma (including Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge); isolated disjunct population in the White River Hills of southwestern Missouri and north-central Arkansas (extending to Calico Rock area). The Missouri/Arkansas population represents the extreme northeastern limit of the subspecies' distribution.

Main population active during summer months. Missouri/Arkansas disjunct population shows unique fall emergence pattern (late August to early October), with adult activity triggered by late summer and early fall rains following droughty summer conditions.

Eggs laid during fall by adults of the disjunct population. Eggs hatch during fall; larvae require another season or two to reach 3rd-instar, then pupate during summer for fall emergence. Unlike true spring-fall species, adults emerge, mate, and oviposit all during fall before winter onset.

Fast, elusive, and difficult to approach for photography. Adults are extremely wary in hot, open habitats, with escape flights triggered by disturbance. When alarmed, individuals fly or run to less exposed areas and rely on cryptic coloration to avoid detection. Shade-seeking behavior observed during midday heat, with beetles positioning at bases of plants. Males observed riding on backs of females during mating. Adults of the disjunct population notably flightier than those of the main population.

Predator in open grassland and glade ecosystems. Cryptic coloration suggests adaptation to avoid visually-based predators such as birds and lizards.

Subject of entomological study due to its disjunct distribution and phenological variation. Populations potentially threatened by habitat management practices including prescribed burns, which may impact larval stages or adult food resources.

• Cicindelidia politulaBoth large Cicindelidia species occurring in rocky habitats; C. politula distinguished by shiny black to blue-black elytra with white markings absent or limited to apices, and preference for limestone outcroppings rather than sandstone/dolomite glades.
• Cicindela formosaAnother large tiger beetle with bold white maculations; distinguished by different habitat preferences (sand habitats for C. formosa) and coloration patterns.

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