Lake-wales-ridge
Guides
Cicindelidia highlandensis
Highlands Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia highlandensis is one of Florida's rarest endemic tiger beetles, restricted to remnant sand scrub and pine woodland habitats on the Lake Wales Ridge in central Florida. The species has experienced severe population declines due to habitat loss, with an estimated 90% reduction and only a few sites capable of sustaining viable populations. Adults are active during summer months, displaying characteristic thermoregulatory "stilting" behavior and extreme wariness when approached. Despite its critically imperiled global status (G1), it remains unlisted by the State of Florida.
Melanoplus ordwayae
Trail Ridge Scrub Grasshopper, Ordway Melanoplus Grasshopper
Melanoplus ordwayae is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Deyrup in 1997. It is endemic to Florida, specifically associated with the scrub habitat of the Lake Wales Ridge region. The species is known from very few observations and is considered rare and potentially threatened by habitat loss. Its common name references the Trail Ridge, a prominent geologic feature in its range.
Neotridactylus archboldi
Archbold pygmy mole cricket, scrub pygmy mole cricket
Neotridactylus archboldi, commonly known as the Archbold pygmy mole cricket or scrub pygmy mole cricket, is a species of pygmy mole cricket endemic to Florida. It inhabits Florida scrub habitat specifically on the Lake Wales Ridge. The species was described in 1996 by Deyrup and Eisner.
Odontomachus clarus
Florida trap-jaw ant
Odontomachus clarus is a species of trap-jaw ant endemic to the Florida scrub habitat on the Lake Wales Ridge in Florida. As a member of the genus Odontomachus, it possesses the characteristic elongated mandibles capable of rapid closure. The species is restricted to a specific and threatened ecosystem, making it of conservation interest.
Polyphylla starkae
Auburndale Scrub Scarab Beetle
Polyphylla starkae is a large scarab beetle endemic to Florida's Lake Wales Ridge, where it inhabits specialized scrub habitat. The species belongs to the pubescens species complex and exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are flightless with reddish-brown, fused elytra, while males are capable of flight and possess dark elytra with patchy light brown setae. The specific epithet honors collector Donna Stark, and the common name references Auburndale, Florida, near its restricted range.
Walshia floridensis
Walshia floridensis is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1978. It is endemic to Florida, with adults active during the winter months. The species is notable for its specific association with the legume Petalostemon pinnatum as a larval host plant.