Oblique-lined Tiger Beetle
Cicindela tranquebarica
Description 2
One of the most common and widespread tiger beetles on Martha's Vineyard, and generally the first one to be active each spring. I have one February record, and this species can generally be found by about the third week of March. Key field marks include the prominent, straight marking at the "shoulder" and the blackish ground color. This species usually lacks any pale marginal band around the wing (which helps distinguish it from the similar Cicindela formosa). Known as Oblique-Lined Tiger Beetle, this species favors open habitat with bare soil or sparse vegetation; it is common along fire lanes in Manuel F. Correllus State Forest and also occurs on bare hilltops or clearings across the Island. A spring-fall species, and one of the easier tiger beetles to find in late summer and fall.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Matt Pelikan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Pelikan
- (c) Matt Pelikan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
