Subject: Splendid Tiger Beetle, Cicindela splendida

Location: Near Ruraldale, Uphsur County, West Virginia

Stock Number: 06-13654

Comments: A scarce beetle, and among the most beautiful species in the Tiger Beetle group. This species flies quite early in the year—the one shown above was photographed in late March.

The humeral lunule is absent, while the apical mark is present. The middle band is typically as shown in the photo, but may vary in shape. Note that this middle mark does not extend to the edge of the elytra.

Since markings can vary, the best way to distinguish this species from the Purple Tiger Beetle, C. purpurea, is to look at the color of the head and pronotum. In the Splendid Tiger Beetle the head and pronotum are bright green, but in the Purple Tiger Beetle the head and pronotum match more closely the color of the elytra.

This beetle has been reported from four West Virginia counties: Boone, Kanawha, Wayne, and Upshur.

 Subject: Red-Bellied Tiger Beetle, Cicindela rufiventris

Location: Near Ruraldale, Uphsur County, West Virginia

Stock Number: 082502-21

Comments: This Tiger Beetle is very common in West Virginia, but often overlooked because it is a little smaller than some of the other species, it is dark, and it lacks the elaborate decorative markings found on so many of the other species.

Generally, individuals of this species have the humeral lunules and middle band broken up into spots. The apical mark is intact.

The easiest way to identify this species is to lie down next to it and get a Tiger Beetle's eye view. The rear of the abdomen (below the elytra) is bright red.

This species seems partial to clay soils. I have often seen it on strip mine roads, but you may also find in any open area with some unvegetated clay and gravel. It is pretty common and likely found in most counties of the state. It should be relatively easy to find all Summer long.

 Subject: Red-Bellied Tiger Beetle, Cicindela rufiventris

Location: Near Star, Randolph County, West Virginia

Stock Number: 4142

Comments: I've included this photo as a reminder that, in all Tiger Beetle species, markings vary from individual to individual.

This is the same species as the one pictured in the box above this one, but note that the humeral lunule and the middle band are not just broken up—they are pretty much absent. One faint spot is the only remnant of them. The apical mark, however, is complete.

This fellow would be hard to identify from markings alone. If you captured him, or got down low next to him, you would see the red abdominal color that gives the species its name. You can also see the red color when the beetle flies away.