Cicindelidia punctulata

Cicindelidia punctulata can be distinguished from similar species by several key features. The elytra bear a distinctive longitudinal row of punctures (the source of both its scientific and common names). The elytra are subparallel, slightly wider posteriorly, with a generally shinier surface compared to the more opaque, rounded elytra of Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea. The basal antennomere bears a single seta (vs. two in C. nigrocoerulea). Western subspecies (C. p. chihuahuae) exhibit greenish or bronze metallic coloration, while eastern populations (C. p. punctulata) are typically dark brown. The body is relatively parallel-sided compared to more rounded congeners.

Occurs in an exceptionally broad range of habitats including dry upland sand and clay sites, wet bottomland sand sites, lawns, soybean fields, dirt roads, gravel parking lots, and cement sidewalks. Shows distinct preference for exposed clay and sandy substrates. Absent from wet bottomland clay sites where such habitat exists. In western regions, found in juniper chaparral, mesquite chaparral, dry grasslands, and alkaline flats.

Transcontinental in North America, occurring from Canada through the United States to Mexico. Present throughout the eastern and central United States, extending westward through the Great Plains and into the southwestern United States. Absent from the Pacific Coast of North America. Populations in the western United States represent the subspecies C. p. chihuahuae, while eastern populations are C. p. punctulata, with integrade zones in intermediate areas.

Adult activity period spans April through November in temperate regions, with activity ceasing during winter months when temperatures routinely fall below freezing. Peak activity varies geographically; in New Mexico, active adults observed in September.

Larval burrows have been observed in diverse substrates including sand, clay, and soil, though not documented in cement sidewalks despite adult presence there. This suggests greater habitat selectivity during the larval stage compared to adults.

Adults are fast-running predators typical of tiger beetles. Nocturnal activity observed, with individuals found on exposed substrates at night. Has been observed scavenging at salmon oil baits. Flight capability present but not extensively characterized.

Generalist predator in terrestrial ecosystems across diverse habitats. Serves as prey for various vertebrate and invertebrate predators.

Frequently encountered by entomologists and naturalists due to its ubiquity and diurnal activity. Subject of taxonomic humor (proposed as "Cicindela ubiquita") due to its extreme commonness. Adults occasionally observed in anthropogenic habitats including sidewalks and parking lots, making it one of the most accessible tiger beetle species for public observation.

• Cicindelidia nigrocoeruleaSimilar size and general appearance; distinguished by two setae on basal antennomere (vs. one), subarcuate (rounded) elytra that are more opaque, and coloration typically blue, green, or black rather than brown
• Cicindela formosaShares sand habitat preferences and similar body shape; distinguished by different elytral maculation pattern and lack of longitudinal puncture row
• Cicindelidia obsoletaOverlaps in grassland habitats; distinguished by larger size, different elytral pattern, and lack of puncture row

• tiger beetle
• Cicindelidae
• widespread
• habitat generalist
• subspecies variation
• North America
• nocturnal activity
• scavenging behavior

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Zygophyllaceae | Beetles In The Bush
• The ubiquitous tiger beetle | Beetles In The Bush
• Monroe Canyon – A Tiger Beetle “Hot Spot” | Beetles In The Bush