Sandy-loam
Guides
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens
Mescalero Sand Tiger Beetle
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens is a sand dune endemic subspecies of tiger beetle restricted to the Mescalero Sands region of southeastern New Mexico and adjacent Texas. First described by Rumpp in 1986, it is distinguished from other C. formosa subspecies by its distinctive greenish-red to coppery coloration. The subspecies is active in late summer and fall, with adults running on open sandy surfaces. It is considered uncommon and patchily distributed within its restricted habitat range.
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Ant-like Tiger Beetle
Parvindela cursitans, commonly known as the Ant-like Tiger Beetle, is a small, flightless tiger beetle species distributed across the central United States. Adults measure 6–8 mm in length and exhibit cryptic bronze coloration with green pitting on the elytra. The species inhabits bottomland forest habitats with sandy loam soils, particularly along major river systems. Unlike most tiger beetles, it is restricted to shaded forest understories rather than open, sunny areas. The species was historically rare in Missouri, known from only a single specimen until 2010, but subsequent surveys have revealed robust populations along the Mississippi River corridor.