Ellipsoptera blanda

(Dejean, 1831)

Sandbar Tiger Beetle

Ellipsoptera blanda, commonly known as the sandbar tiger , is a of flashy tiger beetle in the . The species is found in North America and belongs to a characterized by relatively large , long legs, and ecological specialization for sandy and saline with sparse vegetation. Like other members of Ellipsoptera, it inhabits extreme substrates including river sandbars and coastal environments.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ellipsoptera blanda: //əˌlɪpsoʊˈtɛrə ˈblændə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Habitat

Sandy river sandbars and fluvial deposits; associated with open, barren sand typical of the Ellipsoptera. Based on genus-level characteristics, likely occurs in habitats nearly or completely devoid of vegetation, similar to other Ellipsoptera that occupy coastal marshes, mudflats, saline flats, and deep sand ridges representing ancient coastlines.

Distribution

North America; specifically recorded from the United States. Exact range details beyond country level are not documented in available sources.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The Ellipsoptera was elevated from subgeneric status within Cicindela by Erwin & Pearson (2008), though this classification had been proposed earlier by Rivalier in the 1950s. The genus is morphologically defined by details of male genitalia and is generally recognizable in the field by the relatively large and long legs of its constituent .

Genus Characteristics

The 11 North American of Ellipsoptera exhibit fairly uniform facies but differ in details of maculation and coloration. Most species in this are ecologically tied to extreme with sandy and/or saline substrates.