Ellipsoptera cuprascens

Distinguished from the closely related Ellipsoptera macra by coarser and denser elytral punctures, shinier surface, and more distinctly coppery rather than greenish-bronze coloration. Females are reliably separated from E. macra by rounded (not acute) elytral apices at the suture. The species is attracted to blacklights, which can aid in detection when daytime searching is unsuccessful.

Adults display coppery bronze coloration with relatively coarse, dense punctures on the elytra that give a somewhat shiny surface. The body form is typical of tiger beetles with large, prominent eyes and long legs adapted for rapid running. Sexual dimorphism is present in mandible structure: males possess longer, slightly curved mandibles and a shorter labrum compared to females. Female elytra have rounded apices at the suture.

Sandy habitats along large rivers, particularly near the water's edge on beaches and sandbars. Found on open, sparsely vegetated sand deposits where it occupies the same general habitat type as E. macra.

North America; recorded from Canada and the United States. Documented from localities along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers in Missouri, with additional records from Nebraska and other central United States river systems.

Active during summer months, with adults present from late June through mid-July based on targeted survey efforts. Nocturnal activity at UV lights occurs during warm summer nights.

Adults are attracted to ultraviolet (UV) blacklights at night, often arriving at light sheets in numbers. Nocturnal activity allows approach for observation and photography, as cooler temperatures and abundant prey reduce wariness compared to daytime. Adults are capable of rapid flight when disturbed.

Predatory insect occupying sandy riverine habitats; likely contributes to regulation of small invertebrate populations in these specialized ecosystems.

Subject of entomological survey work and citizen science documentation. Attraction to blacklights facilitates collection and study. Photographed for scientific documentation and nature observation, though individuals can be difficult to approach during daytime due to wariness.

• Ellipsoptera macraShares sandy riverine habitat and geographic range; distinguished by finer, shallower elytral punctures, less shiny surface, more greenish than coppery coloration, and in females by acute (not rounded) elytral apices at suture
• Cicindela repandaSympatric on sandy river beaches; distinguished by different genus-level characteristics and coloration pattern

• tiger beetle
• riverine
• nocturnal
• blacklight-attracted
• sand habitat

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Very cozy tigers! | Beetles In The Bush
• The very dirty tiger | Beetles In The Bush
• The last tiger beetle | Beetles In The Bush