Parvindela terricola kaibabensis

Distinguished from nominate Parvindela terricola by geographic restriction to the Kaibab Plateau and tendency toward connected elytral maculations. Separated from superficially similar green Cicindelinae such as Cicindela sexguttata by the setose (not glabrous) frons and vertex. Differs from Cicindela scutellaris by more slender body form, longer legs, and lack of red or purple elytral tinting. Distinguished from Cicindela decemnotata by brighter, less oily green coloration and more extensive pale setation.

Bright metallic green to blue-green dorsal coloration with coppery or bronze reflections. Elytra bear distinct white maculations, typically with humeral lunules visible and maculations often connected or nearly so. Head and pronotum clothed with prominent pale setae, particularly dense on the frons and vertex. Labrum creamy white with three dark teeth. Antennae and legs covered with conspicuous pale pubescence. Body form moderately slender with long, cursorial legs typical of open-habitat tiger beetles.

Grassy meadows and open grasslands at high elevations on the Kaibab Plateau, north of the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Occupies open, sunny habitats with sparse vegetation and exposed soil surfaces suitable for ground hunting and burrowing.

Endemic to the Kaibab Plateau in northern Arizona, USA. Restricted to elevations north of the Grand Canyon.

• Parvindela terricola terricolaNominate subspecies with which kaibabensis was historically synonymized; differs in geographic distribution and tendency toward separated rather than connected elytral maculations
• Cicindela sexguttataSuperficially similar bright green coloration, but distinguished by glabrous (smooth, hairless) frons and vertex versus the prominently setose head of P. terricola kaibabensis
• Cicindela scutellarisSome subspecies share uniform green coloration, but stockier body, shorter legs, and often reddish or purplish elytral reflections distinguish this species
• Cicindela decemnotataSimilar mandibular structure and visible maculations, but generally duller green with oily sheen and less extensive pale setation

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