Cicindela fulgida Say Cicindela fulgida Say
Distribution in North Dakota
Identification: Medium body size, about 12 mm in length. Dorsal surfaces of head, prothorax and elytral uniformly colored, but highly variable. Individuals may be dark brown or black, metallic blue, metallic green, or metallic red. Elytra are always very shiny. Elytral markings light colored. Humeral lunule, middle band, and apical lunule all well developed. Markings unconnected along margin (marginal line absent). Labrum tridentate, although the teeth may be rounded or appear to be absent. Clypeus glabrous. Genae glabrous. Frons with erect setae. Antennal scape with four sensory setae and several accessory setae.
Remarks: C. fulgida is easily recognized by its elytral markings, very shiny elytra, and the absence of setae on the genae. In North Dakota, elytral coloration is highly variable. Two subspecies occur in North Dakota: C. f. fulgida Say and C. f. westbournei Calder. They are difficult to separate and are not treated here as separate entities.
Habitat: Open saline and alkaline soils, often near water.
North Dakota Distribution: Probably found statewide, though it appears to be absent in the southeastern part of the state.
Season: A spring/fall species. Adults are most active in May and June, and again in August and September although individuals can be found throughout the season.