Sand-habitats
Guides
Cicindelidia
Prairie Tiger Beetles, Limestone Tiger Beetles, Miami Tiger Beetle (for C. floridana), Highlands Tiger Beetle (for C. highlandensis), Scabrous Tiger Beetle (for C. scabrosa)
Cicindelidia is a genus of small to medium-sized tiger beetles primarily distributed in North America, with greatest diversity in the southern and western United States. The genus includes several notable species groups, most prominently the abdominalis species-group containing four sand-dwelling species (C. abdominalis, C. floridana, C. highlandensis, C. scabrosa) with red venters. Many species exhibit specialized habitat associations, including thermal springs (C. haemorrhagica), limestone outcrops (C. politula), pine rocklands (C. floridana), and sand scrub habitats (C. scabrosa, C. highlandensis). Several species are of conservation concern due to restricted ranges and habitat loss.
ColeopteraCicindelidaetiger-beetlesNorth-Americathermal-springsendemic-speciesconservationsand-habitatspine-rocklandlimestone-habitatspredatory-beetlesmetal-bioaccumulationabdomenalis-species-groupFlorida-endemicsYellowstone-National-Parkriparian-habitatscobblestone-habitatsprairie-habitatsxeric-habitatsfire-adapted-habitatsendangered-speciesrediscovered-specieslarval-burrowsthermoregulationphotography-subjectscollecting-interestEllipsoptera
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).
Progomphus
sanddragons
Progomphus is a genus of medium-sized dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as sanddragons. The genus is distinguished among Gomphidae by its colored wings, a relatively rare trait in this family. Species are found primarily in tropical regions of the Americas, with adults typically observed near freshwater sandy beaches and pools.