Fragmented-distribution
Guides
Cicindela limbata
Sandy Tiger Beetle
Cicindela limbata, the sandy tiger beetle, is a North American tiger beetle species specialized for life in dry sand dune habitats. It is characterized by extensive white maculations on the elytra that serve as thermal reflectance adaptations. The species exhibits a fragmented distribution across the Great Plains and boreal regions, with five recognized subspecies showing geographic variation in maculation patterns and body size correlated with local climate conditions. Populations display behavioral thermoregulation through midday burrowing into sand to avoid extreme surface temperatures.