Bottomland-forest
Guides
Parvindela cursitans
Ant-like Tiger Beetle
Parvindela cursitans, commonly known as the Ant-like Tiger Beetle, is a small, flightless tiger beetle species distributed across the central United States. Adults measure 6–8 mm in length and exhibit cryptic bronze coloration with green pitting on the elytra. The species inhabits bottomland forest habitats with sandy loam soils, particularly along major river systems. Unlike most tiger beetles, it is restricted to shaded forest understories rather than open, sunny areas. The species was historically rare in Missouri, known from only a single specimen until 2010, but subsequent surveys have revealed robust populations along the Mississippi River corridor.