Larval-burrow

Guides

• Cicindela fulgida fulgida

  Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle

  Cicindela fulgida fulgida is a subspecies of tiger beetle restricted to saline and alkaline habitats in the central and western Great Plains of North America. Adults are active primarily during spring and fall, with larvae constructing distinctive turreted burrows in dry, salt-encrusted soils. The species exhibits strong habitat fidelity to wet, alkaline environments including saline flats and dry alkaline creek beds. Larval burrows feature unique above-ground turret structures thought to function in thermoregulation.

  tiger-beetlesaline-habitatalkalinelarval-burrowturretthermoregulationGreat-Plainsspring-fall-specieshabitat-specialistCicindelidae

• Cicindela willistoni hirtifrons

  Hairy-fronted Tiger Beetle

  Cicindela willistoni hirtifrons is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae. The subspecies is known for its distinctive larval burrow architecture: larvae construct turreted burrow entrances on barren saline flats, a feature shared with other C. willistoni subspecies including estancia and sulfontis. Adults are associated with saline habitats in the southwestern United States.

  tiger-beetlesaline-habitatlarval-burrowturretthermoregulationhabitat-partitioningCicindela-willistoni-complex