Cicindelidia politula viridimonticola

The species Cicindelidia politula is distinguished from the related and more widespread Cicindelidia punctulata (Punctured Tiger Beetle) by its shiny blue-black to black elytra with white markings reduced or absent except at the apices, combined with a red abdomen. The nominate subspecies politula exhibits these traits consistently. The subspecies viridimonticola presumably differs in some aspect of coloration, pattern, or body proportions, though specific diagnostic features are not documented in the provided sources. No information is available on how to distinguish C. p. viridimonticola from C. p. politula.

Dry to xeric upland habitats with exposed limestone outcroppings. Adults have been observed on finely ground limestone substrate, white limestone exposures along roadsides, limestone gravel, and coarse crushed limestone 2-tracks. They are often associated with older, level exposures that support at least sparse vegetation; newer, steeply sloped, or completely unvegetated exposures are less frequently occupied. Beetles may be flushed from the base of bunch grass clumps and captured when they land in more exposed situations.

The species Cicindelidia politula occurs primarily in Texas, extending into adjacent Oklahoma. The nominate subspecies politula is documented from northern Texas (Montague, Johnson, Erath, and Somervell Counties) and Oklahoma. The subspecies viridimonticola is not explicitly localized in the provided sources, though the epithet suggests a montane or hill-associated population potentially distinct from the nominate form's distribution.

Adults are active beginning in late September, with activity extending into October. Emergence appears dependent on timely rains in these xeric habitats.

Larval biology unknown for this subspecies. Adults are the only documented life stage in the provided sources.

Adults are fast and flighty, making capture difficult. They exhibit wariness and difficulty of approach, especially under midday sun. When disturbed, they make short escape flights. They may "sun-face" during midday to minimize thermal exposure in hot, xeric habitats. Shade-seeking behavior at the base of vegetation has been observed during peak heat periods.

• Cicindelidia punctulata (Punctured Tiger Beetle)More widespread and common relative with which C. politula can be confused; distinguished by differences in elytral coloration and maculation pattern, with C. politula being shinier black to blue-black with reduced white markings.
• Cicindelidia politula politula (nominate subspecies)The nominate subspecies from which viridimonticola presumably differs; distinction requires knowledge of subspecific diagnostic characters not provided in available sources.

• Coleoptera
• Cicindelidae
• tiger beetle
• limestone habitat
• Texas
• Oklahoma
• xeric
• subspecies

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