Sand-habitat
Guides
Ablautus vanduzeei
Spot-winged Prospector
Ablautus vanduzeei is a small species of robber fly (family Asilidae) measuring approximately 6–7 millimeters in length. Adults are sand-colored and somewhat difficult to see, making them cryptic in their preferred open, sandy habitats. Males are slightly smaller and more slender than females, with bright white facial hairs; females have gold or ochre-colored facial hairs. The species is known from 18 observations on iNaturalist and is part of the genus Ablautus, which is currently undergoing taxonomic revision.
Amblyomma tuberculatum
gopher tortoise tick
Amblyomma tuberculatum is a hard tick species endemic to the United States, commonly known as the gopher tortoise tick due to its intimate association with the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). Unlike many tick species, its distribution appears more restricted than that of its primary host, with environmental factors such as sand depth and soil composition playing significant roles in habitat suitability. Laboratory studies have documented its complete life cycle, which requires a minimum of 207 days under controlled conditions.
Arctosa littoralis
beach wolf spider, shoreline wolf spider
Arctosa littoralis, commonly known as the beach wolf spider or shoreline wolf spider, is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is a medium-sized spider (11-15 mm body length) with highly effective camouflage coloration adapted to sandy habitats. The species ranges throughout North and Central America, where it inhabits beaches, dunes, stream banks, and other sandy environments. It is primarily nocturnal and can be located at night by the distinctive blue-green eyeshine produced when light reflects from its tapetum lucidum.
Cibolacris samalayucae
Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper
Cibolacris samalayucae is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is endemic to dune systems, with its name derived from Samalayuca, a dune field in northern Mexico. The species occurs in Mexico, with records extending into the southwestern United States. As a member of the tribe Cibolacrini, it is closely related to Cibolacris parviceps, with which it shares morphological adaptations for life in sandy environments.
Cicindela bellissima
Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle
Cicindela bellissima, known as the Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle, is a species of flashy tiger beetle described by Leng in 1902. It belongs to the subfamily Cicindelinae within the ground beetle family Carabidae. The species is found in North America, with three recognized subspecies: C. b. bellissima, C. b. columbica, and C. b. frechini.
Cicindela columbica
Columbia River tiger beetle
Cicindela columbica is a tiger beetle endemic to Idaho, United States, known as the Columbia River tiger beetle. The species is critically endangered, with its range now restricted to the Lower Salmon River system following extirpation from Oregon and Washington due to dam construction on the Columbia River. It inhabits sand bars and river beaches where it hunts smaller arthropods.
Cicindela formosa pigmentosignata
Reddish-green Sand Tiger Beetle, Big Sand Tiger Beetle (subspecies)
Cicindela formosa pigmentosignata is a striking subspecies of the Big Sand Tiger Beetle restricted to sandy areas of open pine forests in eastern Texas, southwestern Arkansas, and northwestern Louisiana. Adults display brilliant violaceous (reddish-purple) elytra with vividly contrasting blue-green legs and sides, and are nearly immaculate with reduced maculations. Like other C. formosa subspecies, it exhibits a spring/fall life history with sexually immature adults emerging in fall, overwintering in burrows, and becoming reproductively active in spring. The subspecies is closely associated with C. scutellaris rugata throughout its range.
Cicindela hirticollis gravida
Pacific Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle
Cicindela hirticollis gravida is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. As part of the C. hirticollis species complex, it shares the characteristic hairy neck and preference for wet sandy habitats near water bodies. The subspecies is distributed along Pacific coastal regions and associated river systems. Adults are active predators that hunt small arthropods, with larvae constructing burrows in sandy substrates.
Cicindela hirticollis siuslawensis
Siuslaw Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle
Cicindela hirticollis siuslawensis is a subspecies of hairy-necked tiger beetle described by Graves in 1988. As a member of the Cicindela hirticollis species complex, it shares the general ecology of other subspecies: association with wet sandy habitats along large rivers. The specific distinguishing characteristics and precise geographic range of this subspecies relative to other C. hirticollis subspecies are not well documented in available sources.
Cicindela lengi jordai
Jorda's Tiger Beetle
Cicindela lengi jordai is a southwestern subspecies of the blowout tiger beetle, distinguished from the nominate subspecies by broadly coalesced elytral maculations. It inhabits dry sand habitats including blowouts, dune margins, sand flats, and sandy roadsides in the Great Plains region. The subspecies was described by Rotger in 1974 and is considered uncommon throughout its range despite relatively broad habitat tolerance.
Cicindela lengi versuta
Adroit Tiger Beetle
Cicindela lengi versuta is a subspecies of blowout tiger beetle found in the northern Great Plains and adjacent regions of North America. It is distinguished from the nominate subspecies by a distinct coppery underside to the thorax. The subspecies inhabits dry sandy habitats including sand blowouts, dune margins, and sandy roadsides, often in boreal coniferous forest areas in the northern part of its range. Adults are active during late summer, with observations concentrated in September.
Cicindela limbata hyperborea
Hyperboreal Tiger Beetle
Cicindela limbata hyperborea is a northern subspecies of the sandy tiger beetle, distinguished by reduced white elytral maculations and smaller body size compared to other subspecies. These traits are interpreted as heat conservation adaptations for its far boreal climate. It occurs in open sand habitats within pine and poplar forests of northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and adjacent Northwest Territories, separated from other subspecies populations by significant distributional gaps. The fragmented distribution of C. limbata and its subspecies likely reflects historical climate changes that caused expansion and contraction of open sand habitats.
Cicindela oregona guttifera
Dappled Tiger Beetle
Cicindela oregona guttifera is a subspecies of the Western Tiger Beetle, a ground-dwelling predatory beetle in the family Carabidae. The subspecies occurs in western North America, where adults are active hunters in sandy riparian and coastal habitats. Like other tiger beetles, it is characterized by large eyes, long legs, and prominent mandibles adapted for capturing small prey. The species exhibits the typical tiger beetle behavior of fast running, intermittent stopping to refocus vision, and rapid flight when disturbed.
Cicindela oregona maricopa
Maricopa Tiger Beetle
Cicindela oregona maricopa is a subspecies of the Western Tiger Beetle, first described by Leng in 1902. This tiger beetle inhabits sandy shoreline and riparian habitats, particularly along beaches and muddy banks of lakes and rivers. The subspecies is part of the broader C. oregona complex, which replaces the closely related C. duodecimguttata west of the Rocky Mountains. Adults are active predators with excellent vision, though they can become difficult to approach during warm conditions.
Cicindela scutellaris flavoviridis
Chartreuse Tiger Beetle
Cicindela scutellaris flavoviridis, commonly known as the Chartreuse Tiger Beetle, is a distinctive subspecies of the Festive Tiger Beetle endemic to north-central to central Texas. It is characterized by its striking metallic greenish-yellow (chartreuse) coloration with typically immaculate elytra, lacking the maculations common in other subspecies. This subspecies occupies deep, dry sand habitats including creek sandbars, dunes, and road cuts. It was described by Vaurie in 1950 and is considered intermediate in morphology between the blue-green C. s. rugata to the east and the more coppery nominate C. scutellaris to the north, with minimal intergradation at range boundaries.
Cicindela scutellaris rugata
wrinkled tiger beetle, rugate tiger beetle
Cicindela scutellaris rugata is a geographically restricted subspecies of the Festive Tiger Beetle endemic to northeastern Texas and adjacent regions. Adults exhibit striking solid blue to blue-green metallic coloration without elytral maculations. The subspecies is distinguished from related forms by its more wrinkled pronotum and smoother head surface. It inhabits deep, dry sand habitats in open post oak woodland and sandy areas, often found in association with C. formosa pigmentosignata. Like other C. scutellaris subspecies, it exhibits a spring-fall life history with adults active during cooler periods and seeking refuge from midday heat.
Cicindela scutellaris rugifrons
Wrinkle-fronted Tiger Beetle
Cicindela scutellaris rugifrons is a subspecies of the festive tiger beetle restricted to the upper Atlantic seaboard of North America. It is one of seven recognized subspecies of C. scutellaris, a species that exhibits exceptional geographic variation in coloration across its range. This subspecies is distinguished by its bright green coloration with white maculations and a more wrinkled pronotum and smoother head compared to other subspecies. Like other members of the species, it inhabits deep, dry sand habitats fully exposed to sun.
Cicindela tranquebarica diffracta
Diffracted Tiger Beetle
Cicindela tranquebarica diffracta is a subspecies of the oblique-lined tiger beetle, distinguished from the nominate form by more diffused and broken elytral maculations. It occurs in sandy and clay soils across the Great Plains and western North America. Like other members of the C. tranquebarica complex, it is a spring-fall active species with larvae that construct typical tiger beetle burrows in appropriate substrates.
Cicindela tranquebarica parallelonota
Opal Tiger Beetle
Cicindela tranquebarica parallelonota is a subspecies of the oblique-lined tiger beetle, commonly known as the Opal Tiger Beetle. It belongs to the tiger beetle subfamily Cicindelinae within the ground beetle family Carabidae. The species exhibits spring-fall adult activity, with larvae developing in burrows during summer months. Adults are known for their fast running speed and predatory habits, though specific distinguishing features of this subspecies relative to other C. tranquebarica subspecies require careful examination of elytral maculation patterns.
Cicindela tranquebarica vibex
Wealed Tiger Beetle
Cicindela tranquebarica vibex is a subspecies of oblique-lined tiger beetle in the family Carabidae. It is a spring-fall species active during cooler months, spending summer as larvae in soil burrows. Adults are ground-dwelling predators that hunt small invertebrates using rapid pursuit and visual tracking. The subspecies occurs in western North America, where it has been observed in sandy and clay habitats including saline flats and dry creek beds.
Cicindelini
tiger beetles, flashy tiger beetles
Cicindelini is a tribe of tiger beetles comprising approximately 80% of the family's genera and species diversity. The tribe contains over 90 genera and more than 2,000 described species, making it one of the most species-rich groups within the ground beetle assemblage. Members are characterized by their diurnal activity patterns, rapid running speed, and distinctive predatory behaviors. The tribe exhibits broad geographic distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions, though species occur across all continents except Antarctica.
Efferia kondratieffi
Kondratieff Hammertail
Efferia kondratieffi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bullington & Lavigne in 1984. It belongs to the large genus Efferia, which comprises numerous species across North and South America. The species was formally described with comparative notes on the related Efferia aestuans. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect with a characteristic robust build and strong flying ability.
Elaphrus lecontei
Elaphrus lecontei is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Elaphrinae, described by Crotch in 1876. The genus Elaphrus comprises true ground beetles that are frequently mistaken for tiger beetles (Cicindelinae) due to their similar appearance and behavior. These beetles are known for their metallic coloration and preference for moist, sandy habitats.
Ellipsoptera cuprascens
Coppery Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera cuprascens is a tiger beetle species found in North America, particularly associated with sandy riverine habitats along large rivers such as the Missouri and Mississippi. The species exhibits distinctive coppery coloration and is known for its nocturnal activity and attraction to ultraviolet light, a trait that distinguishes it from many diurnal tiger beetles. It is closely related to E. macra, with which it shares habitat preferences and geographic range in some areas.
Ellipsoptera lepida
Ghost Tiger Beetle, Little White Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera lepida, known as the ghost tiger beetle or little white tiger beetle, is a small tiger beetle notable for its almost pure white dorsal coloration that provides exceptional camouflage on pale sandy substrates. Adults measure 9–11 mm and are active during summer months. The species occupies a specialized niche in deep, dry sand habitats and has a two-year life cycle. Populations are localized and patchy across its range, and it has disappeared from many historical sites due to habitat succession and revegetation. It is listed as a state threatened species in Minnesota.
Ellipsoptera sperata inquisitor
Inquisitor Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of tiger beetle in the genus Ellipsoptera, distinguished from related taxa by specific morphological features. Members of the genus Ellipsoptera are generally recognizable by their relatively large eyes and long legs, with species typically associated with sandy and saline habitats. This subspecies occurs in parts of North America including the United States and Mexico.
Ellipsoptera sperata sperata
Rio Grande Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera sperata sperata is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the genus Ellipsoptera, commonly known as the Rio Grande Tiger Beetle. It belongs to a genus characterized by relatively large eyes, long legs, and association with sandy and saline habitats. The species E. sperata is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with this nominate subspecies occurring in the Rio Grande region. Like other Ellipsoptera, it likely inhabits extreme habitats with sparse vegetation such as riverine sand bars and saline flats.
Lasiopogon chaetosus
Lasiopogon chaetosus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their bristly appearance and ground-perching hunting behavior. Species in this genus are typically found in open, sandy or rocky habitats. The specific epithet 'chaetosus' refers to the bristly or hairy condition of the body surface.
Melanoplus angustipennis
Narrow-winged Spur-throat Grasshopper, Narrow-winged Sand Grasshopper, Narrow-winged Locust
Melanoplus angustipennis is a medium-sized spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, measuring 20–30 mm in length with females larger than males. It inhabits open sandy grasslands, vegetated sand dunes, and disturbed areas across mid-central United States to south-central Canada. Nymphs hatch in May and develop to adults over 36–42 days, with adult activity from July through October. The species feeds primarily on Asteraceae and other forbs, and is not considered a major agricultural pest.
Myrmeleon
antlion, doodlebug
Myrmeleon is a cosmopolitan genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, distinguished by larvae that construct conical pitfall traps in sandy substrates. The larvae, commonly called doodlebugs, bury themselves at the bottom of these pits and use specialized mandibles to capture prey that falls in. Adults are delicate, lacy-winged insects resembling damselflies but with short, clubbed antennae. The genus is notable for being one of few antlion genera in North America that exhibits pit-building behavior, and it has been documented across multiple continents including North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Myrmeleon exitialis
antlion
Myrmeleon exitialis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Myrmeleon, its larvae construct the characteristic funnel-shaped pitfall traps in sandy soil to capture prey. Adults are delicate, slender insects with lacy wings that superficially resemble damselflies but possess short, clubbed antennae.
Myrmeleon texanus
Myrmeleon texanus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1900. As a member of the genus Myrmeleon, its larvae construct characteristic conical pitfall traps in sandy soil to capture prey. The species occurs in North America and Middle America, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented compared to more widespread congeners such as M. immaculatus.
Myrmeleontidae
Antlions, Antlion lacewings, Doodlebugs, Owlflies
Myrmeleontidae is a family of neuropteran insects comprising approximately 2,000 species, commonly known as antlions or antlion lacewings. The family is best known for the distinctive predatory behavior of its larvae, which in many species construct conical pit traps in sandy soil to capture prey. Adults are aerial insects with delicate, often patterned wings, and are frequently mistaken for dragonflies or damselflies. The family includes two traditional subfamilies: Myrmeleontinae (antlions) and Ascalaphinae (owlflies), though the latter is sometimes treated as a separate family. Antlions exhibit remarkable diversity in larval hunting strategies, with pit-digging behavior restricted to certain genera while others employ ambush or roaming predation.
Parvindela lunalonga
Meadow Tiger Beetle
Parvindela lunalonga is a tiger beetle species in the family Cicindelidae, historically classified under the genus Cylindera but now placed in Parvindela. It is native to North America with confirmed records from the United States. The species is known from relatively few observations (12 records on iNaturalist), suggesting it may be uncommon, locally distributed, or undercollected. Like other Parvindela species, it is likely associated with open, sandy or clay habitats where tiger beetles typically hunt.
Poecilanthrax lucifer
Poecilanthrax lucifer is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) in the genus Poecilanthrax, a strictly North American group. Adults are distinguished by conspicuous black and yellow tomentose crossbands on the abdomen and yellow or tan bases on the larger wing veins that contrast with the remainder of the wing pattern. The species has a notably wide distribution, occurring in the West Indies, southern Gulf States, Central America, and northward into Arkansas and southern Illinois. Larvae develop as parasites inside caterpillars of cutworms and armyworms (family Noctuidae), with documented hosts including fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Uniquely among its genus, P. lucifer has also been reported as a hyperparasite of Myzine haemorrhoidalis (family Tiphiidae), a primary parasite of white grubs (genus Phyllophaga) in Puerto Rico.
Proctacanthus
Marauders
Proctacanthus is a genus of large robber flies (family Asilidae) comprising approximately 18 described species distributed primarily in North America. These predatory insects are characterized by their robust build, prominent facial beard, and aggressive hunting behavior. The genus name translates from Greek as 'spiny butt' or 'spiny rear', referring to a distinctive morphological feature. Species within this genus are notable for their ferocious predation on other insects, with some species showing strong dietary preferences for particular prey types such as grasshoppers.
Pseudomethoca sanbornii
Pseudomethoca sanbornii is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, a group of solitary wasps known for their aposematic coloration and powerful sting. Females are wingless and ant-like in appearance, while males possess wings. The species occurs across much of the eastern and central United States. Like other mutillids, females are reportedly capable of delivering a painful sting, though they are not aggressive and sting only in defense.
Trimerotropis arenacea
Rehn's dune grasshopper
Trimerotropis arenacea, commonly known as Rehn's dune grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. The species was described by Rehn in 1910. It is known to occur in sandy dune habitats in western North America, particularly in California. As a member of the genus Trimerotropis, it shares characteristics with other band-winged grasshoppers that typically inhabit arid, open environments.
Ululodes quadripunctatus
Four-spotted Owlfly
Ululodes quadripunctatus, commonly known as the four-spotted owlfly, is a species of owlfly in the family Ascalaphidae and tribe Ululodini. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Owlflies are neuropteran insects that share characteristics with both dragonflies and butterflies, possessing large eyes, many-veined wings, and long clubbed antennae.