Coastal-prairie
Guides
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.