cicindela

What is Cicindela?

Cicindela is a genus of vividly colored, predatory beetles in the subfamily Cicindelinae, commonly known as tiger beetles. While these beetles are not economically important, the are excellent indicator species.

A number of Cicindela species in the U.S. are currently listed as endangered, threatened or candidates for listing; a full list can be found at the FWS web page. In addition there are Cicindela species listed as “rare species” by many states.

Two of the best books about tiger  beetles are Pearson and Vogler’s informitive “Tiger Beetles: The Evolution, Ecology, and Diversity of the Cicindelids” and Pearson, Knisley, and Kazilek’s indespensible book “A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of the United States and Canada”.

Here are some links to more information and images of tiger beetles:

Basic Tiger Beetle Biology

Tiger Beetle Morphology 

Range maps for NA species

Giff Beaton’s Tiger Beetle Images

BugGuide Page

MCZ Type Database @ Harvard Entomology

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