Alkaline-flat-specialist
Guides
Cicindelidia ocellata
Ocellated Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia ocellata is a medium-sized tiger beetle species widely distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records extending into Central America. The species exhibits notable subspecific variation, with the nominate subspecies C. o. ocellata occurring in alkaline flat and wetland margin habitats in New Mexico and surrounding areas, while the subspecies C. o. rectilatera (Reticulated Tiger Beetle) occupies sandy habitats in Texas, New Mexico, and has been documented as a range extension into Arkansas and Oklahoma. Adults are active during summer and fall months, with some populations showing extended activity into September. The species is characterized by distinctive elytral maculation patterns featuring ocellate (eye-like) markings.