Polytopic-species
Guides
Cicindela scutellaris
festive tiger beetle
Cicindela scutellaris, commonly known as the festive tiger beetle, is a widespread North American tiger beetle species occupying deep, dry sand habitats east of the Rocky Mountains. The species exhibits extraordinary geographic variability in coloration and maculation patterns across its range, with seven generally accepted subspecies recognized. Populations in Missouri represent a notable intergrade zone between northern and southeastern subspecies. The species is frequently associated with Cicindela formosa (big sand tiger beetle) in suitable habitats.