Cicindela lepida Dejean Distribution in North Dakota
Identification: Body size somewhat small, 9 to 11 mm in length. Dorsal surfaces of head and prothorax bright metallic green. Elytral maculations largely confluent, so that the elytra appears pale with dark markings. Labrum unidentate. Clypeus densely setose. Frons, genae, and proepisternum all with dense decumbent setae. Antennae and legs lacking pigment.
Remarks: The only other North Dakota tiger beetle with pale elytra is C. limbata. C. lepida can be readily separated from C. limbata by the densely setose clypeus and the lack of pigment in the antennae and legs. This species remains active in the evening and can be attracted to light traps at night.
Habitat: Sparsely vegetated areas with light-colored sand. Can be found in wet or dry areas.
North Dakota Distribution: C. lepida is distributed along the Missouri River and its tributaries in central and western North Dakota, and in the sandhills of the Sheyenne National Grasslands in southeastern North Dakota.
Season: A summer species. Adults are most active in July and August.