Cicindela hirticollis shelfordi Graves Distribution in North Dakota
Identification: Medium body size, about 12 to 14 mm in length. Dorsal surfaces of head, prothorax, and elytra dark brown. Elytral markings very light-colored cream or white. All markings well developed and connected along margin. In a few individuals, the apical lunule is separated from the marginal line. Labrum unidentate. Clypeus glabrous or with a few scattered setae, particularly towards the lateral margins. Genae glabrous. Frons with erect setae. Antennal scape with 3 sensory setae and 0-2 accessory setae.
Remarks: North Dakota specimens of C. hirticollis belong to the subspecies C. hirticollis shelfordi which is widely distributed in the Great Plains. Taxonomically, C. hirticollis is placed in the C. maritima group which also contains C. duodecimguttata and C. repanda, both of which occur in North Dakota and are similar in appearance to C. hirticollis. C. hirticollis can be separated from these species by the lack of setae on the genae. C. hirticollis also resembles C. tranquebarica and there are some C. tranquebarica that also have glabrous genae. The antennal scape of C. hirticollis is glabrous or bears only 1 or 2 sensory setae (most often glabrous) while the scape of C. tranquebarica bears several accessory setae. Also, the humeral lunule in C. tranquebarica is long and oblique, while that of C. hirticollis is quite short.
Habitat: Associated with sand bars and sandy beaches in riparian and lakeshore environments.
North Dakota Distribution: In North Dakota, C. hirticollis is primarily found along the Missouri River and its tributaries. One record exists from Hankinson in Richland County. This species may be more widespread than collection records indicate.
Season: A summer species. Adults are active from July through early September.