Tiger Beetles (Cicindelidae) of Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Tiger Beetles Project

The Oklahoma Tiger Beetles Project's purpose is to document the diversity of the state's Cicindelidae (tiger beetles). Efforts are also being made to document regional diversity in the surrounding states of Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas.

Akin to the Oklahoma Odonata Project,
the Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory is conducting statewide field surveys to document the status and distribution of species. Museum specimens, photographic and literature records, and researcher field notes are being compiled into a spatial database that will shape our understanding of the regions's Cicindelidae.

The Oklahoma Tiger Beetles Project is lead by Brenda D. Smith.
If you need help with identifications or you would like to submit photographic records,
please contact Brenda (argia[@]ou.edu).

Checklist of Oklahoma Tiger Beetles

Above: Splendid Tiger Beetle (Cicindela splendida, left) and Limestone Tiger Beetle (Cicindelidia politula, middle), both from Camp Simpson, Johnston Co., Oklahoma, 11 October 2013; Prairie Tiger Beetle (Cicindelidia obsoleta vulturina, right), male, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Comanche Co., Oklahoma, 12 July 2013; all photos by and copyright of Bill Carrell; used with permission.)

Below: Ocellated Tiger Beetle (Cicindelidia ocellata rectilatera, left), Fort Cobb Wildlife Management Area, Caddo Co., Oklahoma, 1 September 2014; Pan-American Big-Headed Tiger Beetle (Tetracha carolina, middle), Lake Waurika, Jefferson Co., Oklahoma, 2 August 2014; Thin-lined Tiger Beetle (Cicindelidia tenuisignata, right), Fort Cobb Wildlife Management Area, Caddo Co., Oklahoma, 1 September 2014; all photos by and copyright of Brenda D. Smith.)