Great-plains-fauna
Guides
Cicindela fulgida
Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, Shiny Tiger Beetle
Cicindela fulgida is a tiger beetle species specialized for saline habitats, occurring in dry, salt-encrusted soils of the central and western North American plains. Adults are active primarily during spring and fall, avoiding the hottest summer months. The species is notable for its distinctive larval burrows, which feature unique turret-like structures that extend above ground level—an adaptation thought to aid in thermoregulation in extreme environments.
Copablepharon longipenne
Dusky Dune Moth
Copablepharon longipenne is a noctuid moth native to the Great Plains and southwestern North America. It inhabits sand dune ecosystems where larvae live and feed underground near host plants. The species has a single annual generation, with adults active in mid-summer. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and C. l. serraticornis.
Dasytinae
soft-wing flower beetles
Dasytinae is a subfamily of soft-wing flower beetles within the family Melyridae, historically treated as the separate family Dasytidae. Members are typically small (<8 mm), parallel-sided beetles with brownish to blackish integument, rarely metallic, and may bear short pubescence. The subfamily is most diverse and abundant in xeric regions of North America and Central Asia, with genera such as Trichochrous and Listrus particularly well-represented in North American arid zones. Dasytinae are commonly found on flowers, where they feed on pollen.
Eleodes hispilabris
Rough-lipped Darkling Beetle, desert stink beetle
Eleodes hispilabris is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) native to North America, where it occurs in arid and semi-arid regions including the Great Plains. It is closely related to and frequently confused with Eleodes suturalis, sharing similar size, coloration, and a reddish-brown sutural stripe on the elytra. The species exhibits scale-dependent habitat selection and performs the characteristic defensive 'head stand' behavior typical of the genus Eleodes.
Microstylum
Giant Robber Flies
Microstylum is a genus of large robber flies (family Asilidae) containing at least 130 described species. The genus includes North America's largest robber fly, Microstylum morosum, which reaches 35–50 mm in body length. Species in this genus are characterized by their substantial size relative to other Asilidae and a mystax (facial beard) confined to the oral margin and composed of stout bristles. The genus has a broad distribution with species occurring in North America, the Neotropics, and Madagascar.
Plectrodera scalator
Cottonwood Borer
Plectrodera scalator, commonly known as the Cottonwood Borer, is a large and striking longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) native to North America. It is the sole species in the genus Plectrodera. Adults are immediately recognizable by their robust body and distinctive checkered pattern of dense white pubescence on a glossy black background. The species is strongly associated with cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and other Populus species, where adults are most frequently encountered. Despite being described as common in the Great Plains, direct observations remain relatively infrequent, possibly due to cryptic behavior against foliage backgrounds.
Polyphylla hammondi
Hammond's Lined June Beetle
Polyphylla hammondi is a large scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae. Adults measure 24.8–35.5 mm in length and are highly variable in coloration with almost no stripes or mottling. Males possess greatly enlarged, fan-like antennae used to detect female sex pheromones. The species is strongly associated with sand dune habitats across the Great Plains and southwestern North America. Males are attracted to lights at night and exhibit distinctive splayed-antennae behavior when actively searching for females. Females are rarely encountered and may be flightless.