Punctured Tiger Beetle
Cicindela punctulata
Description 2
A widespread summer tiger beetle on Martha's Vineyard, favoring dry habitats with sparse vegetation and, often, compacted soil. More tolerant of degraded habitats than our other tiger beetles, it is the only tiger beetle I've ever recorded in my yard in Oak Bluffs. This species is small (about 11-13 mm) and dark with very limited pale markings. Seen up close, the forewings are extensively pitted, accounting for the common name of this species (Punctured Tiger Beetle). Often quite gregarious. It often runs rather than flies when disturbed, though it is perfectly capable of flight. Usually active from the end of June or the first week of July through the summer.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Matt Pelikan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Pelikan
- (c) Matt Pelikan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
