Glade
Guides
Chelinidea vittiger aequoris
cactus bug, cactus leaffooted bug
Chelinidea vittiger aequoris is a subspecies of cactus bug in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae. It is a specialist herbivore that feeds almost exclusively on prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.), with its range closely tied to the distribution of these host plants. The species is found across the United States and southward into northern Mexico, with the subspecies aequoris occurring in specific regions. In Missouri, it occurs on Opuntia humifusa in sand prairies and glades, and on O. cespitosa in igneous glade habitats.
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.
Erynnis zarucco
Zarucco Duskywing
Erynnis zarucco is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, distributed from southern Ontario through the southeastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of 32–38 mm and exhibit dark, muted coloration typical of duskywing skippers. The species has multiple generations annually, with three broods in the deep south and two in northern portions of its range. Larvae feed on Fabaceae, including both woody and herbaceous members of this plant family.
Neotibicen superbus
Superb Dog-day Cicada, Superb Cicada
Neotibicen superbus, the superb dog-day cicada, is a distinctive cicada species in the family Cicadidae. It is noted for being the greenest species in its genus, with reduced black patterning compared to congeners. The species produces a soft buzz song that reaches a crescendo. It is primarily associated with grassland environments and dolomite glades in the south-central United States.
Strangalia
Strangalia is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) first described by Audinet-Serville in 1835. Species in this genus are frequently observed on flowers, where adults feed on pollen and nectar. Several species have been documented visiting flowers of Coreopsis, Gaillardia, Ratibida, and other Asteraceae in prairie and woodland habitats. Some species, such as Strangalia sexnotata and S. virilis, have been recorded in fermenting bait traps, though this attraction appears less consistent than in related genera.