Tiger-beetle
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Cicindelidia politula petrophila
Limestone Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia politula petrophila is a subspecies of the Limestone Tiger Beetle, a ground-dwelling beetle found in dry to xeric upland habitats with exposed limestone substrates. Adults are characterized by shiny black to blue-black elytra with white markings absent or limited to the apices, and a red abdomen. The subspecies occurs primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, where it is associated with limestone outcroppings, road banks, and rocky clay areas. Adults are active in late summer and fall, typically emerging in late September. They are extremely wary, fast-flying, and difficult to approach or capture due to their behavior of quickly finding gaps in nets on rough, rocky terrain.
Cicindelidia politula politula
Limestone Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of tiger beetle endemic to limestone outcroppings in northern Texas and adjacent Oklahoma. Adults are active in late summer and fall, with emergence tied to rainfall patterns in xeric habitats. The subspecies is characterized by shiny black to blue-black elytra with minimal or apically-limited white markings. Adults are extremely wary and difficult to approach, exhibiting short escape flights and heat-avoidance behaviors including sun-facing and shade-seeking.
Cicindelidia politula viridimonticola
Limestone Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia politula viridimonticola is a subspecies of the Limestone Tiger Beetle, a member of the tiger beetle family Cicindelidae. The species C. politula is primarily distributed in Texas and adjacent Oklahoma, where it inhabits dry to xeric upland areas with limestone outcroppings. Adults are typically active beginning in late September. The nominate subspecies C. p. politula is characterized by shiny black to blue-black elytra with white markings absent or limited to the apices, and a red abdomen. The subspecific epithet "viridimonticola" suggests an association with green mountains or hills, though specific distinguishing characters from the nominate subspecies are not detailed in available sources.
Cicindelidia punctulata
Punctured Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia punctulata, commonly known as the punctured tiger beetle, is one of the most widespread tiger beetle species in North America. The species exhibits notable geographic variation in coloration, with eastern populations typically showing dark brown coloration and western populations displaying greenish or bronze metallic hues. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominotypical C. p. punctulata in the east and C. p. chihuahuae in the west, with integrade populations occurring in intermediate zones. The species is exceptionally adaptable, occurring in diverse habitats from upland sand and clay sites to wet bottomlands, lawns, agricultural fields, and even urban environments such as sidewalks and parking lots.
Cicindelidia punctulata chihuahuae
Chihuahua Tiger Beetle, Chihuahua Punctured Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia punctulata chihuahuae is a western subspecies of the punctured tiger beetle, distinguished from the nominate eastern subspecies by its greenish coloration. It occurs in dry grassland and open habitats with exposed clay or sandy-loam substrates across the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Adults are active during warmer months, with observations spanning late spring through fall. The subspecies exhibits characteristic tiger beetle behaviors including fast running flight and visual predation on small arthropods.
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 cumatilis
Mexican Red-bellied Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia rufiventris cumatilis is a subspecies of the eastern red-bellied tiger beetle found in the south-central United States, ranging from southwestern Louisiana into eastern Texas. It represents the southwestern extreme of a clinal variation in the species, characterized by reduced elytral maculations and blue rather than brown or black upper body coloration. Populations in southern Missouri represent intergrades between this subspecies and the nominate form to the east. The subspecies shares the distinctive red-orange abdomen that is fully exposed during flight, a key identifying feature of the species.
Cicindelidia rufiventris hentzii
Hentz's Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia rufiventris hentzii is a subspecies of the eastern red-bellied tiger beetle endemic to isolated populations near Boston, Massachusetts. It represents the extreme expression of a clinal variation in elytral maculation, with the most developed maculations of any population in the species range. The subspecies is rarely encountered and has been documented by few observers.
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.
Cicindelidia scabrosa
Scabrous Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia scabrosa is a near-endemic tiger beetle species found primarily in peninsular Florida, with its range extending slightly into extreme southeastern Georgia. It belongs to the abdominalis species-group, characterized by small size, sand-dwelling habits, and red abdominal coloration visible during flight. The species is distinguished by its black, deeply punctured elytra and dense bands of white setae along the lateral pronotal margins. Adults are active during summer months, particularly July and August, in sand pine scrub habitats.
Cicindelidia tenuisignata
Thin-lined Tiger Beetle
A tiger beetle species in the genus Cicindelidia, found in alkaline wetland margins and lake shores in the southwestern United States. Adults are active during late summer and fall, with records from September in New Mexico. The species is less commonly encountered than related alkali-adapted tiger beetles and is attracted to ultraviolet light at night.
Cicindelidia trifasciata
S-banded Tiger Beetle, Ascendent Tiger Beetle (subspecies)
Cicindelidia trifasciata is a species of tiger beetle known as the S-banded Tiger Beetle, characterized by dark brown dorsal coloration and a thin, sinuous, S-shaped middle elytral maculation. The species includes a recognized subspecies, C. trifasciata ascendens (Ascendent Tiger Beetle), which inhabits coastal salt marsh environments. Adults are diurnal, extremely active and flighty, particularly in hot conditions. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range including the southern United States, Caribbean islands, and South America.
Cicindelidia trifasciata ascendens
Ascendent Tiger Beetle, Three-lined Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia trifasciata ascendens is a subspecies of tiger beetle commonly found in coastal salt marsh habitats along the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is recognized by its dark brown dorsal coloration and distinctive thin, sinuous, S-shaped middle elytral maculation. The subspecies is notably active and flighty, particularly during hot afternoon conditions. It has been documented as far north as Missouri as a rare vagrant, but its core range centers on saline coastal wetlands from Texas through Florida.
Cicindelidia trifasciata sigmoidea
Mudflat Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia trifasciata sigmoidea is a subspecies of the Mudflat Tiger Beetle, a member of the tiger beetle family (Cicindelidae). The species Cicindelidia trifasciata is broadly distributed across North America with multiple recognized subspecies occupying distinct geographic and habitat zones. The nominate subspecies and related forms are associated with moist, open substrates including mudflats, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands. These beetles are active predators with excellent vision and rapid running ability, characteristic of the genus.
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.
Dromochorus knisleyi
Juniper Grove Tiger Beetle
Dromochorus knisleyi is a recently described tiger beetle species (2019) in the genus Dromochorus, a group of flightless, secretive beetles found in North America. The genus Dromochorus contains some of the most enigmatic and poorly known tiger beetles on the continent. Related species in this genus are characterized by highly restricted distributions, specialized habitat requirements, and extreme difficulty in detection and study due to their rapid running behavior and tendency to disappear into vegetation or soil cracks. The specific epithet honors tiger beetle specialist C. B. Knisley.
Dromochorus pilatei
Cajun Tiger Beetle, Cajun Dromo Tiger Beetle
Dromochorus pilatei is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae, commonly known as the Cajun Tiger Beetle. It is endemic to a restricted range in the south-central United States, specifically Texas and Louisiana. The species belongs to the genus Dromochorus, a group of flightless, fast-running tiger beetles that inhabit open, eroded clay and loam habitats. Like congeners, it is likely secretive and easily overlooked due to its rapid movements and tendency to seek cover in vegetation or soil cracks.
Dromochorus pruininus
Frosted Dromo Tiger Beetle
Dromochorus pruininus is a small, flightless tiger beetle with a highly restricted and disjunct distribution across the south-central United States. The species inhabits exposed clay and gypsum slopes with sparse vegetation, where it runs swiftly between grass clumps to escape detection. Long considered a synonym of D. belfragei, it was reinstated as a valid species based on smooth elytra contrasting with the granulated surface of its congener. The species exhibits crepuscular activity patterns and remains one of North America's most poorly known tiger beetles, with larvae described only in 2008.
Dromochorus welderensis
Gulf Prairie Tiger Beetle
Dromochorus welderensis is a tiger beetle species described in 2019 from Texas, USA. It belongs to the genus Dromochorus, a group of flightless, fast-running tiger beetles associated with open, eroded clay habitats. The species is named for the Welder Wildlife Refuge in Texas, where it was discovered. As a recently described species, detailed information about its biology remains limited.
Ellipsoptera blanda
Sandbar Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera blanda, commonly known as the sandbar tiger beetle, is a species of flashy tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species is found in North America and belongs to a genus characterized by relatively large eyes, long legs, and ecological specialization for sandy and saline habitats with sparse vegetation. Like other members of Ellipsoptera, it inhabits extreme substrates including river sandbars and coastal environments.
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 gratiosa
Whitish Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera gratiosa, commonly known as the Whitish Tiger Beetle, is a species of flashy tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. It is distinguished by extensive white maculations covering nearly the entire elytral surface and dense white pubescence on the head, thorax, underside, and legs. The species occurs in coastal pine barrens and sandy habitats of the southeastern United States. It is closely related to E. hirtilabris, from which it differs in labral pubescence and geographic range.
Ellipsoptera hamata
Coastal Tiger Beetle, Gulf Beach Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera hamata is a tiger beetle species in the family Cicindelidae, commonly known as the coastal tiger beetle. It occurs along the Gulf Coast of North America from Florida to Texas, with a distribution that overlaps with its sibling species E. marginata along the lower Gulf Coast of Florida. The species inhabits coastal beaches, mud flats, and salt marshes. Four subspecies are recognized, with E. h. lacerata being the form found in Florida and along the eastern Gulf Coast.
Ellipsoptera hamata monti
Ellipsoptera hamata monti is a subspecies of the Coastal Tiger Beetle, a member of the genus Ellipsoptera characterized by relatively large eyes and long legs adapted to extreme sandy and saline habitats. As part of the E. hamata species complex, it shares the diffuse middle elytral band that distinguishes this species from congeners. The subspecies was described by Vaurie in 1951. Members of this genus are ecologically tied to coastal and saline environments with sparse vegetation.
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 nevadica
Nevada tiger beetle
Ellipsoptera nevadica is a species of flashy tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, with nine recognized subspecies including the critically endangered E. n. lincolniana (salt creek tiger beetle). Subspecies E. n. lincolniana has been intensively studied due to its conservation status, with research demonstrating that egg survival and oviposition are negatively impacted by high temperatures and low precipitation.
Ellipsoptera nevadica knausii
Knaus's Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera nevadica knausii is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). It is commonly known as Knaus's Tiger Beetle. The subspecies is distributed across North America, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Like other tiger beetles, it is a fast-running, visually oriented predator active in open habitats.
Ellipsoptera nevadica nevadica
Nevada Tiger Beetle
The Nevada Tiger Beetle is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). It is distributed across western North America including Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Adults are active predators that hunt in open, sandy habitats. The nominate subspecies is closely related to the endangered Salt Creek Tiger Beetle (E. n. lincolniana), which has been studied extensively for conservation purposes.
Ellipsoptera nevadica olmosa
Olmos Creek Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera nevadica olmosa is a subspecies of the Nevada tiger beetle, commonly known as the Olmos Creek Tiger Beetle. It belongs to the tiger beetle subfamily Cicindelinae within the ground beetle family Carabidae. The subspecies was described by Vaurie in 1951 and is found in parts of North America including the United States and Mexico.
Ellipsoptera nevadica playa
Ellipsoptera nevadica playa is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species E. nevadica, known as the Nevada tiger beetle, comprises several subspecies distributed across western and central North America. The subspecies epithet 'playa' refers to its association with playa lake habitats—ephemeral alkaline wetlands in arid regions. Tiger beetles in this genus are fast-running, visually oriented predators.
Ellipsoptera puritana
Puritan tiger beetle
Ellipsoptera puritana, the Puritan tiger beetle, is a federally threatened species endemic to a highly restricted range in the northeastern United States. Adults are medium-sized, fast-running predators with distinctive cream-white marginal markings on their elytra. The species occupies a narrow ecological niche: sandy beaches and riverbanks backed by eroding cliffs or bluffs, where larvae burrow into exposed sediment faces. Its two-year life cycle involves larval development in burrows followed by brief adult emergence in mid-summer. Habitat loss from shoreline development, dam construction, and bank stabilization has severely reduced populations, prompting intensive conservation efforts including captive rearing programs.
Ellipsoptera sperata
Rio Grande Tiger Beetle, Flashy Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera sperata is a species of tiger beetle in the subfamily Cicindelinae, commonly known as the Rio Grande Tiger Beetle. It occurs in Central America and North America, with its distribution spanning the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is one of three recognized subspecies within E. sperata, alongside E. s. inquisitor and E. s. vauriei. As a member of the genus Ellipsoptera, it shares the characteristic elliptical wing shape and preference for sandy or saline habitats typical of this group.
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.
Eunota californica
California Tiger Beetle
Eunota californica, commonly known as the California Tiger Beetle, is a ground-dwelling beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). The species was originally described as Cicindela californica by Ménétriés in 1843 and later transferred to the genus Eunota. It occurs in Mexico and the United States, with 55 iNaturalist observations documenting its presence. As a member of the tiger beetle group, it is likely a fast-running, visually-oriented predator, though specific behavioral studies for this species are limited.
Eunota californica pseudoerronea
California Tiger Beetle
Eunota californica pseudoerronea is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). Originally described as Cicindela californica pseudoerronea by Rumpp in 1958, it is now classified in the genus Eunota. This subspecies is endemic to California and is part of a group of fast-running predatory beetles commonly known as tiger beetles.
Eunota circumpicta
cream-edged tiger beetle
Eunota circumpicta, the cream-edged tiger beetle, is a halophilic species native to the United States with a broader range extending south to Brazil. Formerly classified in genera Cicindela and Habroscelimorpha, this species has been reclassified to Eunota based on molecular systematics. Two subspecies are recognized: E. c. circumpicta and E. c. johnsonii (Johnson's tiger beetle). The species is closely related to E. mecocheila, from which it is distinguished by morphological and genetic differences. It inhabits saline flats and coastal areas, showing activity both day and night.
Eunota circumpicta johnsonii
Johnson's Tiger Beetle
Eunota circumpicta johnsonii, commonly known as Johnson's Tiger Beetle, is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). It is a saline habitat specialist found in the central and southern Great Plains of North America. The species is active during summer months and exhibits habitat partitioning with co-occurring tiger beetle species through temporal and microhabitat segregation. It has been observed in alkaline lake margins, saline flats, and salt-encrusted soils, often alongside other saline-adapted tiger beetles.
Eunota circumpicta pembina
Pembina Tiger Beetle
Eunota circumpicta pembina is a subspecies of tiger beetle endemic to the Great Plains region of North America. It is closely related to Eunota circumpicta johnsonii (Johnson's tiger beetle), from which it differs in geographic distribution and adult coloration. The subspecies is restricted to a disjunct population in North Dakota, where it occupies saline seep habitats. Adults exhibit blue-green coloration without the reddish or dark morphs found in other populations of the species. The subspecies was formally described by Johnson in 1993 and is considered to have subspecific status based on its geographic isolation and distinctive coloration.
Eunota fulgoris
Eunota fulgoris is a tiger beetle species in the subfamily Cicindelinae, originally described as Cicindela fulgoris by Casey in 1913. The species exhibits striking metallic coloration and is associated with saline or alkaline habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico. A subspecies, E. fulgoris erronea, is endemic to the Willcox Playa area of Arizona's Sulfur Springs Valley. The species is known for its iridescent appearance, with remarkable iridescence even visible on the legs.
Eunota fulgoris erronea
Willcox Tiger Beetle
Eunota fulgoris erronea is a subspecies of tiger beetle endemic to the Willcox Playa area of the Sulphur Springs Valley in southeastern Arizona. Formerly placed in the genus Habroscelimorpha, this taxon is now classified under Eunota following molecular phylogenetic revisions. It is considered a classic example of a geographically restricted tiger beetle with striking coloration and intricate white elytral markings. The subspecies name 'erronea' reflects its historical taxonomic confusion.
Eunota gabbii
Western Tidal Flat Tiger Beetle
Eunota gabbii, the western tidal flat tiger beetle, is a species of flashy tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. It was formerly classified under the genera Cicindela and Habroscelimorpha before being moved to Eunota. The species is associated with tidal flat and saline habitats in western North America.
Eunota houstoniana
Houston Tiger Beetle
Eunota houstoniana is a rare tiger beetle endemic to Texas, known from only a handful of observations. The species is restricted to salt pan habitats, making it one of the most geographically limited tiger beetles in North America. Its narrow distribution and specialized habitat requirements contribute to its conservation concern.
Eunota pamphila
Gulfshore Tiger Beetle
Eunota pamphila is a small tiger beetle species primarily associated with coastal salt marsh habitats along the Gulf of Mexico. Formerly classified under Cicindela and Habroscelimorpha, this species was historically considered rare outside its core Texas Gulf Coast range, with only occasional straggler records in adjacent states. A breeding population was documented in Mississippi coastal salt marshes during 2006–2008, establishing the species as a resident rather than vagrant in that region. The species co-occurs with other tiger beetles including Eunota togata, Ellipsoptera hamata, and Habroscelimorpha severa in suitable saline habitats.
Eunota praetextata
Riparian Tiger Beetle
Eunota praetextata is a tiger beetle species in the family Cicindelidae, originally described by LeConte in 1854. It is known by the common name Riparian Tiger Beetle, reflecting its association with riparian habitats. The genus Eunota was established to accommodate several tiger beetle species formerly placed in Cicindela, distinguished by morphological and ecological characteristics. This species represents part of the diverse tiger beetle fauna of North American riparian systems.
Eunota praetextata pallidofemora
Virgin River Tiger Beetle
Eunota praetextata pallidofemora is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae), described by Acciavatti in 1981. It is known from the Virgin River region of the southwestern United States. As a member of the genus Eunota, it belongs to a group of tiger beetles specialized for saline and alkaline habitats. The subspecies epithet 'pallidofemora' refers to pale femora, suggesting a distinguishing leg coloration.
Eunota praetextata praetextata
Riparian Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae, known from the southwestern United States. This subspecies is part of a complex of saline-adapted tiger beetles in the genus Eunota. The specific epithet 'praetextata' refers to a bordered or fringed appearance, likely describing elytral patterning. The nominate subspecies is distinguished from other subspecies of E. praetextata by its distribution and presumably by subtle morphological differences in elytral maculation.
Eunota severa
Saltmarsh Tiger Beetle
Eunota severa, commonly known as the Saltmarsh Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). It occurs in coastal salt marsh habitats along the Gulf Coast of the United States and Mexico. The species is notable for its shiny green elytra with reduced maculations appearing as small spots at the middle and rear. It is primarily active during morning and evening hours, making it challenging to observe and photograph during midday. The species has been recorded from south Texas and Florida, where it occurs sympatrically with other salt marsh tiger beetles.
Eunota togata
White-cloaked Tiger Beetle
Eunota togata, the White-cloaked Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. It was formerly classified under Cicindela but is now the sole species in the genus Eunota. The species is notable for its strong association with saline habitats, with different subspecies occupying distinct geographic regions and habitat types. Adults are small, measuring 10–13 mm in length, and exhibit variable white coloration on the elytra that gives the species its common name. The species demonstrates classic tiger beetle behaviors including rapid running, quick flight when disturbed, and visual predation.
Eunota togata fascinans
Salt Flat Tiger Beetle
Eunota togata fascinans is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae. It is known from salt flat habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it occupies unvegetated sandy areas near water edges. The subspecies exhibits specific microhabitat preferences that allow coexistence with other tiger beetle species through resource partitioning. Adult emergence is triggered by summer monsoonal rains, limiting its active period to a relatively short post-monsoonal season.