Ozark-highlands
Guides
Cicindelidia rufiventris
Eastern Red-bellied Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia rufiventris is a tiger beetle species found in the eastern and central United States, characterized by its distinctive red-orange abdomen visible during flight. Formerly classified in the genus Cicindela, it was moved to Cicindelidia based on phylogenetic studies. The species shows clinal variation in coloration and maculation across its range, with southern populations exhibiting blue coloration and reduced maculations. It is primarily active during summer months and is associated with rocky, open habitats in the Ozark Highlands and similar regions.
Cicindelidia rufiventris rufiventris
Eastern Red-bellied Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia rufiventris rufiventris, the Eastern Red-bellied Tiger Beetle, is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the subgenus Cicindelidia. It is immediately recognizable by its red-orange abdomen, which is fully exposed during flight. Populations in southern Missouri represent an intergrade zone between the nominate subspecies to the east and subspecies cumatilis to the southwest. The species is summer-active and has been observed in abundance along rocky trails and 2-tracks through open pine forests on sandstone and dolomite substrates.
Hyperplatys californica
Hyperplatys californica is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Casey in 1891. It is a member of the tribe Acanthocinini and has been reared from dead branches of red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) in southeastern Missouri, representing a documented larval host record. The species is part of the diverse North American cerambycid fauna associated with woody plant hosts.
Microtomus purcis
Eastern White-winged Assassin, bark assassin bug
Microtomus purcis is a strikingly colored assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, found in North America. The species is notable for its aposematic coloration—black body with creamy-white wing bases and bright red abdominal segments and hind legs. Despite its conspicuous appearance, it is primarily nocturnal and spends daylight hours concealed under loose bark of dead trees. The species has been documented from the Ozark Highlands and surrounding regions, with adult activity recorded from September through March and nymphs found in late autumn.