Cicindela is a genus of tiger beetles in the family Cicindelidae, known for their bright metallic colors and often patterned ivory or cream markings. These beetles are commonly found near bodies of water with sandy or clay soils, such as riverbanks, seashores, lake shores, sand dunes, dry lakebeds, clay banks, and woodland paths.
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Prioninae of the World I.
Cerambycidae of the Western Paleartic I.
The genus Cicindela is one of the largest tiger beetle genera worldwide, with over 850 to possibly 2,300 species described, though classification varies among experts, with many subgenera sometimes treated as separate genera. The genus belongs to the tribe Cicindelini, which contains around 2,000 described species and more than 90 genera of tiger beetles.
The name “Cicindela” comes from Latin, meaning “glowworm,” reflecting the beetles’ metallic and sometimes flashing appearance.
Cicindela
An example species is Cicindela pulchra, known as the beautiful tiger beetle, which is red with dark blue, purple, or green margins on its elytra, pronotum, and head. It is found in parts of the United States including Colorado, northwestern Oklahoma, western Kansas, and eastern Arizona, and measures about 15–18 mm in length.
In summary, Cicindela comprises a diverse and widespread group of brightly colored tiger beetles, ecologically associated with sandy or clay habitats near water
