Alkaline-habitat
Guides
Cicindela decemnotata
Badlands Tiger Beetle
Cicindela decemnotata, commonly known as the badlands tiger beetle, is a flashy tiger beetle species in the family Carabidae. It is the westernmost representative of a species group characterized by green coloration with variable red markings on the head, pronotum, and elytra. The species has undergone recent and rapid phylogenetic radiation following glacial recession, with five recognized subspecies based on morphological and molecular evidence. Populations show relatively low genetic divergence despite marked morphological differences, suggesting colonization within the past 10,000 years.
Cicindela decemnotata bonnevillensis
Lake Bonneville Tiger Beetle
Cicindela decemnotata bonnevillensis is a subspecies of the Badlands Tiger Beetle described in 2012 based on morphological and molecular evidence. It is one of four recognized subspecific entities within C. decemnotata, a species that has undergone rapid phylogenetic radiation following glacial recession approximately 10,000 years ago. The subspecies name refers to its association with the former Lake Bonneville basin.
Cicindela decemnotata decemnotata
Badlands Tiger Beetle
Cicindela decemnotata decemnotata is the nominate subspecies of the Badlands Tiger Beetle, a western North American cicindelid occupying the northwestern Great Plains, northern Great Basin, and Rocky Mountains north to Yukon. This subspecies is part of a species complex characterized by green coloration with variable red markings on the head, pronotum, and elytra, along with variably developed white elytral markings. Molecular and morphological evidence supports the recognition of this and three other subspecies, with populations having undergone rapid phylogenetic radiation following glacial recession within the last 10,000 years.
Cicindela parowana
Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle
Cicindela parowana, known as the dark saltflat tiger beetle, is a species of flashy tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. It is native to North America and has been documented in Canada and the United States. The species includes three recognized subspecies: C. p. parowana, C. p. platti (platt tiger beetle), and C. p. wallisi (Wallis' tiger beetle).
Cicindela parowana parowana
Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle
Cicindela parowana parowana is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Wickham in 1905. It is one of the nominate subspecies of the Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle, a species associated with saline or alkaline habitats. The subspecies occurs in western North America where it inhabits salt flat environments. Like other tiger beetles, it is a fast-running, visually-oriented predator.
Cicindelidia haemorrhagica arizonae
Arizona wetsalts tiger beetle
Cicindelidia haemorrhagica arizonae is a subspecies of the wetsalts tiger beetle, a member of the family Cicindelidae. The nominate subspecies C. h. haemorrhagica is known for its remarkable ability to inhabit hot springs environments in Yellowstone National Park, where it tolerates temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F). Adults display the characteristic run-stop-run hunting behavior typical of tiger beetles. The subspecies epithet 'arizonae' suggests a geographic association with Arizona, though specific ecological data for this subspecies is limited.
Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea subtropica
Subtropic Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of tiger beetle in the genus Cicindelidia, known from limited observations in the southwestern United States. The taxon appears to be associated with alkaline flat habitats near lake margins in southeastern New Mexico. Based on iNaturalist records, it has been documented from Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Lea Lake at Bottomless Lakes State Park in Chaves County, New Mexico. The specific epithet 'subtropica' suggests an association with subtropical or warm-climate environments.
Cicindelidia ocellata ocellata
Ocellated Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia ocellata ocellata is a subspecies of ocellated tiger beetle found in the southwestern United States. This subspecies is common throughout the region and inhabits alkaline flats and lake margins. Adults have been observed active during September in New Mexico, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon hours. The subspecies is part of a complex that includes multiple subspecies with varying geographic distributions.
Cicindelidia tenuisignata
Thin-lined Tiger Beetle
A tiger beetle species in the genus Cicindelidia, found in alkaline wetland margins and lake shores in the southwestern United States. Adults are active during late summer and fall, with records from September in New Mexico. The species is less commonly encountered than related alkali-adapted tiger beetles and is attracted to ultraviolet light at night.
Enallagma clausum
alkali bluet
Enallagma clausum, the alkali bluet, is a narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It is native to North America with a documented range expansion westward in western Canada. The species has been studied for parasite-host dynamics involving water mites and gregarines. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern with a stable population.
Erynephala puncticollis
beet leaf beetle
A skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in alkaline and dry lakebed habitats. Adults have been observed feeding on succulent foliage of salt-tolerant plants. The species occurs across Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States.
Eunota fulgoris
Eunota fulgoris is a tiger beetle species in the subfamily Cicindelinae, originally described as Cicindela fulgoris by Casey in 1913. The species exhibits striking metallic coloration and is associated with saline or alkaline habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico. A subspecies, E. fulgoris erronea, is endemic to the Willcox Playa area of Arizona's Sulfur Springs Valley. The species is known for its iridescent appearance, with remarkable iridescence even visible on the legs.
Eunota fulgoris erronea
Willcox Tiger Beetle
Eunota fulgoris erronea is a subspecies of tiger beetle endemic to the Willcox Playa area of the Sulphur Springs Valley in southeastern Arizona. Formerly placed in the genus Habroscelimorpha, this taxon is now classified under Eunota following molecular phylogenetic revisions. It is considered a classic example of a geographically restricted tiger beetle with striking coloration and intricate white elytral markings. The subspecies name 'erronea' reflects its historical taxonomic confusion.
Gyascutus planicosta obliteratus
Gyascutus planicosta obliteratus is a subspecies of metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) found in the southwestern United States. The species is associated with saltbush habitats, particularly Atriplex canescens (four-winged saltbush), on which adults have been observed perching. The subspecies represents one of several regional forms within the Gyascutus planicosta complex. Field observations from southeastern New Mexico indicate late-season adult activity in September.
Parvindela terricola
Variable Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola, commonly known as the Variable Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae. The species exhibits notable color variation, with individuals ranging from bright metallic green to forms with red or purple tinting. It has been recorded in western Nebraska at the edge of its distribution, where it inhabits alkaline habitats in badlands and grassland environments. The species was formerly classified under the genus Cicindela and later Cylindera before its current placement in Parvindela. Subspecies include C. terricola kaibabensis from the Grand Canyon region.