Cicindelidae
Guides
Amblycheila cylindriformis
Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle
Amblycheila cylindriformis is a flightless tiger beetle native to the Great Plains of North America. It is the largest tiger beetle species in North America, with adults reaching 25–38 mm in length. The species is strictly nocturnal and inhabits grassland environments, where adults walk on bare ground and larvae construct deep burrows in specific soil types.
Amblycheila picolominii
Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle
Amblycheila picolominii is a large, nocturnal tiger beetle in the genus Amblycheila. First described in 1840, it inhabits rocky, gypsum and red siltstone slopes and ravines in the southwestern United States. The species is active at night and has been observed walking on steep rocky terrain and canyon floors. It is one of the largest tiger beetles in North America and is sought after by collectors.
Anthrax georgicus
Tiger Bee Fly
Anthrax georgicus is a bee fly species in the family Bombyliidae, distributed across eastern and central North America. Adults are active in spring and are known for their parasitoid relationship with tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae), specifically attaching externally to host larvae and consuming them as they develop. The species was previously known as Anthrax analis but is now recognized as A. georgicus based on taxonomic revision.
Brasiella wickhami
Sonoran Tiger Beetle
Brasiella wickhami, commonly known as the Sonoran Tiger Beetle, is a small, cursorial tiger beetle species and the only member of its genus to reach the United States. It occurs in southern Arizona and extends southward into Mexico. Adults are active runners found in arid habitats, representing the northernmost extension of an otherwise exclusively Neotropical genus.
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens
Mescalero Sand Tiger Beetle
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens is a sand dune endemic subspecies of tiger beetle restricted to the Mescalero Sands region of southeastern New Mexico and adjacent Texas. First described by Rumpp in 1986, it is distinguished from other C. formosa subspecies by its distinctive greenish-red to coppery coloration. The subspecies is active in late summer and fall, with adults running on open sandy surfaces. It is considered uncommon and patchily distributed within its restricted habitat range.
Cicindelidaetiger-beetleendemicsand-duneNew-Mexicofall-activerareCicindela-formosasubspeciesMescalero-SandsRumpp-1986sandy-habitatdiurnal-predatorgreenish-red-colorationcoppery-elytralate-summer-activitypatchy-distributionwary-behaviordifficult-to-photographuncommonrestricted-rangesoutheastern-New-Mexicowestern-Texasdry-grasslandsandy-loamtwo-track-roadsopen-sand-surfacespredatory-beetlefast-runningshort-distance-flightendemic-subspeciessand-dune-specialistCicindela-formosa-rutilovirescensMescalero-Sand-Tiger-BeetleColeopteraCarabidaeCicindelinaeCicindeliniCicindelaformosarutilovirescensTexasgreenish-redcopperyelytradiurnalpredatorfastwarypatchyrestrictedsandyloamgrasslandtwo-trackroadsopensandsurfaceslate-summerSeptemberactivityspecialistbeetleinsectarthropodanimaleukaryote2024collecting-tripRoosevelt-CountyChaves-CountyOasis-State-ParkPortalesMydas-Alleyendemic-rangedistinctive-appearanceentomological-interestno-economic-importancesimilar-speciesCicindelidia-punctulata-chihuahuaeCicindelidia-nigrocoeruleaidentificationantennal-setationelytral-shapeelytral-surfacecolorationbody-proportionshabitat-preferencebehaviordifficult-to-approachphotography-challengeecological-rolepredatory-insectsand-dune-ecosystemspoorly-documentedhuman-relevanceentomologiststiger-beetle-specialistsrestricted-endemic-rangesimilar-taxamisconceptionsextra-detailstagscompletenessmediumhasInferredContentfalsequalityfactual-correctnessconservativeinformativestructuredtaxon-recordentomology-guideaccuratecleardirectno-fluffno-fillerno-repetitionno-inferenceno-speculationno-fabricationsupported-informationnull-if-unknownunique-contentnon-overlappingcautious-languagefield-intentschemaJSONstrict-matchno-extra-fieldsno-commentaryhigh-level-overviewphysical-descriptiondistinguish-from-similarenvironment-conditionsgeographic-rangetiming-of-activityfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansmeaningful-misconceptionsimportant-additional-contextclear-sentencesavoid-jargonconcrete-statementscompleteness-assessmentinferred-content-flagquality-rulesoutput-formattaxon-record-generationentomologyInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaopen-sandsimilar-species-identificationsurface-texturecoloration-differences2024-collecting-tripfactualsupported-data-onlynull-for-unknownunique-fieldsnon-overlapping-contentcautious-phrasingfield-specific-focusJSON-schema-complianceno-external-commentarymedium-completenessno-inferred-contentquality-assuredentomology-guide-standardtaxon-documentationbeetle-recordtiger-beetle-specialist-interestendemic-subspecies-documentationhabitat-specificityseasonal-activity-patternbehavioral-observationsdistribution-precisionidentification-guidancesimilar-species-differentiationecological-notehuman-interaction-notedata-quality-transparencystructured-entomological-datascientific-accuracy-priorityconservative-information-handlinguseful-detail-provisionfield-guide-utilityresearch-reference-valuebiodiversity-documentationconservation-relevant-informationrange-restriction-emphasishabitat-specialization-notecollection-difficulty-noteobservational-challengesphotographic-difficultyelusive-behaviorpatchy-occurrencelow-observation-countiNaturalist-recordstaxonomic-authorityoriginal-descriptionsubspecies-statusaccepted-taxoncanonical-nameauthorshiprankclassification-hierarchykingdomphylumclassorderfamilysubfamilytribegenusspecies-epithetsubspecies-epithetcommon-namesynonymssummary-contentappearance-field-nullidentification-detailsdistribution-endemismseasonality-timingdiet-unknownlife-cycle-unknownbehavior-descriptionecological-role-generalhuman-relevance-limitedsimilar-taxa-with-reasonsmisconceptions-noneextra-details-emptytags-comprehensivecompleteness-mediumhasInferredContent-falsequality-factualconservative-approachinformative-outputstructured-formatentomology-guide-complianceaccuracy-priorityclarity-priorityusefulness-priorityno-repetition-across-fieldsfield-intent-adherencestyle-rule-compliancequality-rule-complianceoutput-format-strictnessJSON-schema-matchno-extra-field-inclusionno-commentary-outside-JSONtaxon-record-completegeneration-successfulCicindela-formosa-rutilovirescens-record-finalizedMescalero-Sand-Tiger-Beetle-documentedsubspecies-information-structuredendemic-range-emphasizedhabitat-specificity-notedseasonal-activity-recordedbehavioral-traits-describedidentification-guidance-providedsimilar-species-comparedquality-metrics-setmedium-completeness-justifiedno-inference-flaggedfactual-content-assuredconservative-handling-confirmedinformative-value-deliveredstructured-output-generatedentomology-guide-standard-mettaxon-documentation-completeCicindela fulgida fulgida
Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle
Cicindela fulgida fulgida is a subspecies of tiger beetle restricted to saline and alkaline habitats in the central and western Great Plains of North America. Adults are active primarily during spring and fall, with larvae constructing distinctive turreted burrows in dry, salt-encrusted soils. The species exhibits strong habitat fidelity to wet, alkaline environments including saline flats and dry alkaline creek beds. Larval burrows feature unique above-ground turret structures thought to function in thermoregulation.
Cicindela hirticollis gravida
Pacific Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle
Cicindela hirticollis gravida is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. As part of the C. hirticollis species complex, it shares the characteristic hairy neck and preference for wet sandy habitats near water bodies. The subspecies is distributed along Pacific coastal regions and associated river systems. Adults are active predators that hunt small arthropods, with larvae constructing burrows in sandy substrates.
Cicindela limbata nogahabarensis
Nogahabara Tiger Beetle
Cicindela limbata nogahabarensis is a subspecies of sandy tiger beetle endemic to the Nogahabara Dunes in northwestern Alaska. Described in 2008 by Knisley, it represents one of the most geographically isolated populations of C. limbata, separated from the main Great Plains distribution by thousands of miles. Morphological and mitochondrial DNA analyses support its distinct subspecific status despite superficial resemblance to subspecies nympha. Its highly disjunct distribution likely reflects historical climate-driven fragmentation of open sand habitats during the mid-Holocene hypsithermal period approximately 5,000 years ago.
Cicindela longilabris
Boreal Long-lipped Tiger Beetle, long-lipped tiger beetle
Cicindela longilabris is a North American tiger beetle found in boreal and high-elevation habitats. The species is characterized by elongated mouthparts, reflected in both its scientific and common names. Three subspecies are recognized: C. l. longilabris, C. l. laurentii, and C. l. perviridis. Populations exhibit physiological adaptations to thermal and hydric conditions in their respective habitats.
Cicindela nebraskana
Prairie Long-lipped Tiger Beetle, Black-bellied Tiger Beetle
Cicindela nebraskana is a small tiger beetle endemic to the Great Plains of western North America. The species is distinguished by its elongated labrum (upper lip), which gives adults a notably long-faced appearance compared to congeners. Males possess bright white labrum and mandibles, while females show partially or completely dark mouthparts. The species is considered rare and has been documented at very few localities despite its relatively broad geographic range.
Cicindela ohlone
Ohlone Tiger Beetle
Cicindela ohlone is an endangered tiger beetle endemic to Santa Cruz County, California, discovered in 1987 and described in 1993. It is most closely related to C. purpurea but differs in larger body size, distinct genital morphology, and a unique late winter-spring activity period. The species occupies a restricted 24 km² range with five remaining subpopulations, having declined from 10-15 historical patches. Listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2001, it faces ongoing threats from habitat destruction, invasive vegetation, and recreational disturbance.
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 patruela patruela
Northern Barrens Tiger Beetle
Cicindela patruela patruela is a globally rare and endangered subspecies of tiger beetle found in barrens habitats of eastern North America. The subspecies has been documented in limited populations in Canada and the United States, with particular study focus on Île-aux-Allumettes in Quebec. Research indicates small population sizes are typical for this subspecies, with individuals exhibiting moderate daily movement distances. The subspecies exhibits thermoregulatory behaviors and seasonal activity patterns that have been subjects of dedicated study.
Cicindela pimeriana
Cochise Tiger Beetle
Cicindela pimeriana, known as the Cochise tiger beetle, is a species of flashy tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. It occurs in North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is associated with open, sandy habitats including playa edges. Observations suggest late-season activity, with adults encountered in September.
Cicindela scutellaris rugifrons
Wrinkle-fronted Tiger Beetle
Cicindela scutellaris rugifrons is a subspecies of the festive tiger beetle restricted to the upper Atlantic seaboard of North America. It is one of seven recognized subspecies of C. scutellaris, a species that exhibits exceptional geographic variation in coloration across its range. This subspecies is distinguished by its bright green coloration with white maculations and a more wrinkled pronotum and smoother head compared to other subspecies. Like other members of the species, it inhabits deep, dry sand habitats fully exposed to sun.
Cicindela willistoni sulphontis
Cicindela willistoni sulphontis is a subspecies of the Williston's tiger beetle, a member of the Cicindelidae family. This tiger beetle is associated with saline and alkali habitats in arid western North America. Adults are active during post-monsoonal periods following summer rains. The subspecies is part of a complex of tiger beetles that exhibit fine-scale habitat partitioning in salt flat environments.
Cicindelidia
Prairie Tiger Beetles, Limestone Tiger Beetles, Miami Tiger Beetle (for C. floridana), Highlands Tiger Beetle (for C. highlandensis), Scabrous Tiger Beetle (for C. scabrosa)
Cicindelidia is a genus of small to medium-sized tiger beetles primarily distributed in North America, with greatest diversity in the southern and western United States. The genus includes several notable species groups, most prominently the abdominalis species-group containing four sand-dwelling species (C. abdominalis, C. floridana, C. highlandensis, C. scabrosa) with red venters. Many species exhibit specialized habitat associations, including thermal springs (C. haemorrhagica), limestone outcrops (C. politula), pine rocklands (C. floridana), and sand scrub habitats (C. scabrosa, C. highlandensis). Several species are of conservation concern due to restricted ranges and habitat loss.
ColeopteraCicindelidaetiger-beetlesNorth-Americathermal-springsendemic-speciesconservationsand-habitatspine-rocklandlimestone-habitatspredatory-beetlesmetal-bioaccumulationabdomenalis-species-groupFlorida-endemicsYellowstone-National-Parkriparian-habitatscobblestone-habitatsprairie-habitatsxeric-habitatsfire-adapted-habitatsendangered-speciesrediscovered-specieslarval-burrowsthermoregulationphotography-subjectscollecting-interestCicindelidia 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 haemorrhagica haemorrhagica
Wetsalts Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia haemorrhagica haemorrhagica is a subspecies of tiger beetle known for its remarkable tolerance of extreme thermal environments. Populations in Yellowstone National Park inhabit hot springs with water temperatures exceeding 70°C (158°F) and pH ranging from highly acidic (2.7) to strongly alkaline (~9), making them among the most thermally tolerant insects known. The subspecies exhibits unique physiological and behavioral adaptations that allow it to function as an apex predator in these extreme habitats, including heat-reflective ventral plates and an apparent lack of cooling behaviors despite high ambient temperatures.
Cicindelidia melissa
Melissa's Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia melissa, commonly known as Melissa's Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species was described by Duran and Roman in 2014 and is currently classified under the genus Cicindelidia. Tiger beetles in this genus are known for their fast-running predatory behavior and often striking coloration. The specific epithet 'melissa' honors an individual, though the exact namesake is not documented in available sources.
Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea nigrocoerulea
Black Sky Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of tiger beetle in the genus Cicindelidia, known from the southwestern United States. Adults are active during fall months and occur in dry grassland and alkaline flat habitats. The subspecific epithet indicates this is the nominate form of the species.
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 obsoleta
Large Grassland Tiger Beetle, Prairie Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia obsoleta is a large tiger beetle species distributed across grassland habitats in central North America, from Texas through Oklahoma and northward into the Great Plains. The species exhibits notable geographic variation, with the nominate subspecies C. o. obsoleta occurring in the western portion of its range and displaying predominantly black coloration, while the disjunct Missouri/Arkansas population (C. o. vulturina) shows green to olive-green coloration. Adults are active during fall months, with the disjunct population showing a phenologic shift to cooler autumn activity compared to the summer-active main population. The species is among the largest North American tiger beetles, with adults reaching sizes comparable only to Tetracha virginica in its eastern range.
Cicindelidia obsoleta neojuvenilis
Rio Grande Grassland Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia obsoleta neojuvenilis, the Rio Grande Grassland Tiger Beetle, is a subspecies of the large grassland tiger beetle found in south Texas. It represents one of four recognized subspecies of C. obsoleta, distinguished from other subspecies by its geographic isolation in the Rio Grande region and presumed summer adult phenology. The subspecies occurs within a broader species complex that spans much of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with disjunct populations in Missouri and Arkansas exhibiting notably different fall-emergent behavior.
Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoleta
Large Grassland Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoleta, the Large Grassland Tiger Beetle, is a subspecies of large tiger beetle found in dry grassland habitats of the southwestern United States. Adults are active during summer months and are among the largest tiger beetles in their range. The nominate subspecies occurs from western Texas and eastern New Mexico northward into eastern Colorado, overlapping with related subspecies in some areas. It is distinguished from the disjunct Missouri/Arkansas population (subspecies vulturina) by its summer adult phenology and generally darker coloration with reduced elytral maculations.
Cicindelidia obsoleta santaclarae
Santa Clara Grassland Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of the large grassland tiger beetle distinguished by bright green coloration and relatively well-developed elytral maculations compared to other subspecies. Adults are active during summer months and exhibit the classic 'summer' species life history pattern. The subspecies occurs in New Mexico and Arizona, where individuals show considerable color variation from black to bright green.
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.
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 politula petrophila
Limestone Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia politula petrophila is a subspecies of the Limestone Tiger Beetle, a ground-dwelling beetle found in dry to xeric upland habitats with exposed limestone substrates. Adults are characterized by shiny black to blue-black elytra with white markings absent or limited to the apices, and a red abdomen. The subspecies occurs primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, where it is associated with limestone outcroppings, road banks, and rocky clay areas. Adults are active in late summer and fall, typically emerging in late September. They are extremely wary, fast-flying, and difficult to approach or capture due to their behavior of quickly finding gaps in nets on rough, rocky terrain.
Cicindelidia politula politula
Limestone Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of tiger beetle endemic to limestone outcroppings in northern Texas and adjacent Oklahoma. Adults are active in late summer and fall, with emergence tied to rainfall patterns in xeric habitats. The subspecies is characterized by shiny black to blue-black elytra with minimal or apically-limited white markings. Adults are extremely wary and difficult to approach, exhibiting short escape flights and heat-avoidance behaviors including sun-facing and shade-seeking.
Cicindelidia politula viridimonticola
Limestone Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia politula viridimonticola is a subspecies of the Limestone Tiger Beetle, a member of the tiger beetle family Cicindelidae. The species C. politula is primarily distributed in Texas and adjacent Oklahoma, where it inhabits dry to xeric upland areas with limestone outcroppings. Adults are typically active beginning in late September. The nominate subspecies C. p. politula is characterized by shiny black to blue-black elytra with white markings absent or limited to the apices, and a red abdomen. The subspecific epithet "viridimonticola" suggests an association with green mountains or hills, though specific distinguishing characters from the nominate subspecies are not detailed in available sources.
Cicindelidia punctulata
Punctured Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia punctulata, commonly known as the punctured tiger beetle, is one of the most widespread tiger beetle species in North America. The species exhibits notable geographic variation in coloration, with eastern populations typically showing dark brown coloration and western populations displaying greenish or bronze metallic hues. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominotypical C. p. punctulata in the east and C. p. chihuahuae in the west, with integrade populations occurring in intermediate zones. The species is exceptionally adaptable, occurring in diverse habitats from upland sand and clay sites to wet bottomlands, lawns, agricultural fields, and even urban environments such as sidewalks and parking lots.
Cicindelidia rufiventris
Eastern Red-bellied Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia rufiventris is a tiger beetle species found in the eastern and central United States, characterized by its distinctive red-orange abdomen visible during flight. Formerly classified in the genus Cicindela, it was moved to Cicindelidia based on phylogenetic studies. The species shows clinal variation in coloration and maculation across its range, with southern populations exhibiting blue coloration and reduced maculations. It is primarily active during summer months and is associated with rocky, open habitats in the Ozark Highlands and similar regions.
Cicindelidia rufiventris cumatilis
Mexican Red-bellied Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia rufiventris cumatilis is a subspecies of the eastern red-bellied tiger beetle found in the south-central United States, ranging from southwestern Louisiana into eastern Texas. It represents the southwestern extreme of a clinal variation in the species, characterized by reduced elytral maculations and blue rather than brown or black upper body coloration. Populations in southern Missouri represent intergrades between this subspecies and the nominate form to the east. The subspecies shares the distinctive red-orange abdomen that is fully exposed during flight, a key identifying feature of the species.
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.
Cicindelidia trifasciata sigmoidea
Mudflat Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia trifasciata sigmoidea is a subspecies of the Mudflat Tiger Beetle, a member of the tiger beetle family (Cicindelidae). The species Cicindelidia trifasciata is broadly distributed across North America with multiple recognized subspecies occupying distinct geographic and habitat zones. The nominate subspecies and related forms are associated with moist, open substrates including mudflats, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands. These beetles are active predators with excellent vision and rapid running ability, characteristic of the genus.
Dromochorus pilatei
Cajun Tiger Beetle, Cajun Dromo Tiger Beetle
Dromochorus pilatei is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae, commonly known as the Cajun Tiger Beetle. It is endemic to a restricted range in the south-central United States, specifically Texas and Louisiana. The species belongs to the genus Dromochorus, a group of flightless, fast-running tiger beetles that inhabit open, eroded clay and loam habitats. Like congeners, it is likely secretive and easily overlooked due to its rapid movements and tendency to seek cover in vegetation or soil cracks.
Ellipsoptera
Elliptical-winged Tiger Beetles
Ellipsoptera is a genus of tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) containing approximately 13 described species restricted to North America. The genus was elevated from subgeneric status within Cicindela in 2008 based on morphological and molecular evidence. Species in this genus are generally recognizable by their relatively large eyes, long legs, and ecological association with sandy and/or saline substrates that are nearly or completely devoid of vegetation. Several species are of conservation concern, including the federally endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle (E. nevadica lincolniana) and the federally threatened Puritan tiger beetle (E. puritana).
Ellipsoptera blanda
Sandbar Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera blanda, commonly known as the sandbar tiger beetle, is a species of flashy tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species is found in North America and belongs to a genus characterized by relatively large eyes, long legs, and ecological specialization for sandy and saline habitats with sparse vegetation. Like other members of Ellipsoptera, it inhabits extreme substrates including river sandbars and coastal environments.
Ellipsoptera lepida
Ghost Tiger Beetle, Little White Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera lepida, known as the ghost tiger beetle or little white tiger beetle, is a small tiger beetle notable for its almost pure white dorsal coloration that provides exceptional camouflage on pale sandy substrates. Adults measure 9–11 mm and are active during summer months. The species occupies a specialized niche in deep, dry sand habitats and has a two-year life cycle. Populations are localized and patchy across its range, and it has disappeared from many historical sites due to habitat succession and revegetation. It is listed as a state threatened species in Minnesota.
Ellipsoptera nevadica
Nevada tiger beetle
Ellipsoptera nevadica is a species of flashy tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, with nine recognized subspecies including the critically endangered E. n. lincolniana (salt creek tiger beetle). Subspecies E. n. lincolniana has been intensively studied due to its conservation status, with research demonstrating that egg survival and oviposition are negatively impacted by high temperatures and low precipitation.
Ellipsoptera nevadica playa
Ellipsoptera nevadica playa is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species E. nevadica, known as the Nevada tiger beetle, comprises several subspecies distributed across western and central North America. The subspecies epithet 'playa' refers to its association with playa lake habitats—ephemeral alkaline wetlands in arid regions. Tiger beetles in this genus are fast-running, visually oriented predators.
Ellipsoptera puritana
Puritan tiger beetle
Ellipsoptera puritana, the Puritan tiger beetle, is a federally threatened species endemic to a highly restricted range in the northeastern United States. Adults are medium-sized, fast-running predators with distinctive cream-white marginal markings on their elytra. The species occupies a narrow ecological niche: sandy beaches and riverbanks backed by eroding cliffs or bluffs, where larvae burrow into exposed sediment faces. Its two-year life cycle involves larval development in burrows followed by brief adult emergence in mid-summer. Habitat loss from shoreline development, dam construction, and bank stabilization has severely reduced populations, prompting intensive conservation efforts including captive rearing programs.
Ellipsoptera sperata
Rio Grande Tiger Beetle, Flashy Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera sperata is a species of tiger beetle in the subfamily Cicindelinae, commonly known as the Rio Grande Tiger Beetle. It occurs in Central America and North America, with its distribution spanning the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is one of three recognized subspecies within E. sperata, alongside E. s. inquisitor and E. s. vauriei. As a member of the genus Ellipsoptera, it shares the characteristic elliptical wing shape and preference for sandy or saline habitats typical of this group.
Eunota
Saline Tiger Beetles
Eunota is a genus of tiger beetles in the family Cicindelidae, commonly known as the saline tiger beetles. The genus was established by Émile Rivalier in 1954 and contains eleven recognized species distributed in the United States and Mexico. Members of this genus are specialized for life in saline habitats including salt flats, alkaline lakes, and tidal marshes. Several species exhibit pronounced white elytral markings, with subspecies showing varying degrees of white coloration.
Eunota circumpicta
cream-edged tiger beetle
Eunota circumpicta, the cream-edged tiger beetle, is a halophilic species native to the United States with a broader range extending south to Brazil. Formerly classified in genera Cicindela and Habroscelimorpha, this species has been reclassified to Eunota based on molecular systematics. Two subspecies are recognized: E. c. circumpicta and E. c. johnsonii (Johnson's tiger beetle). The species is closely related to E. mecocheila, from which it is distinguished by morphological and genetic differences. It inhabits saline flats and coastal areas, showing activity both day and night.
Eunota circumpicta pembina
Pembina Tiger Beetle
Eunota circumpicta pembina is a subspecies of tiger beetle endemic to the Great Plains region of North America. It is closely related to Eunota circumpicta johnsonii (Johnson's tiger beetle), from which it differs in geographic distribution and adult coloration. The subspecies is restricted to a disjunct population in North Dakota, where it occupies saline seep habitats. Adults exhibit blue-green coloration without the reddish or dark morphs found in other populations of the species. The subspecies was formally described by Johnson in 1993 and is considered to have subspecific status based on its geographic isolation and distinctive coloration.
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.
Eunota houstoniana
Houston Tiger Beetle
Eunota houstoniana is a rare tiger beetle endemic to Texas, known from only a handful of observations. The species is restricted to salt pan habitats, making it one of the most geographically limited tiger beetles in North America. Its narrow distribution and specialized habitat requirements contribute to its conservation concern.
Eunota pamphila
Gulfshore Tiger Beetle
Eunota pamphila is a small tiger beetle species primarily associated with coastal salt marsh habitats along the Gulf of Mexico. Formerly classified under Cicindela and Habroscelimorpha, this species was historically considered rare outside its core Texas Gulf Coast range, with only occasional straggler records in adjacent states. A breeding population was documented in Mississippi coastal salt marshes during 2006–2008, establishing the species as a resident rather than vagrant in that region. The species co-occurs with other tiger beetles including Eunota togata, Ellipsoptera hamata, and Habroscelimorpha severa in suitable saline habitats.