Nocturnal-perching
Guides
Ellipsoptera
Elliptical-winged Tiger Beetles
Ellipsoptera is a genus of tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) containing approximately 13 described species restricted to North America. The genus was elevated from subgeneric status within Cicindela in 2008 based on morphological and molecular evidence. Species in this genus are generally recognizable by their relatively large eyes, long legs, and ecological association with sandy and/or saline substrates that are nearly or completely devoid of vegetation. Several species are of conservation concern, including the federally endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle (E. nevadica lincolniana) and the federally threatened Puritan tiger beetle (E. puritana).
Ellipsoptera hamata
Coastal Tiger Beetle, Gulf Beach Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera hamata is a tiger beetle species in the family Cicindelidae, commonly known as the coastal tiger beetle. It occurs along the Gulf Coast of North America from Florida to Texas, with a distribution that overlaps with its sibling species E. marginata along the lower Gulf Coast of Florida. The species inhabits coastal beaches, mud flats, and salt marshes. Four subspecies are recognized, with E. h. lacerata being the form found in Florida and along the eastern Gulf Coast.
Ellipsoptera hamata monti
Ellipsoptera hamata monti is a subspecies of the Coastal Tiger Beetle, a member of the genus Ellipsoptera characterized by relatively large eyes and long legs adapted to extreme sandy and saline habitats. As part of the E. hamata species complex, it shares the diffuse middle elytral band that distinguishes this species from congeners. The subspecies was described by Vaurie in 1951. Members of this genus are ecologically tied to coastal and saline environments with sparse vegetation.