Badlands Tiger Beetle
Specimen photo from University of Minnesota Insect Collection
The Badlands tiger beetle is approximately 12-14 mm and most often a shade of metallic green. Occasionally it appears purple to reddish. Their wing casings have whiteish markings, with the middle one displaying as a line curving posteriorly at a sharp angle toward the midline. The underside is metallic green to blue-green.
Status in North Dakota
Resident.
Range Map
Badlands Tiger Beetle primary range (dark gray). Few state records.
Reason for SWAP Designation
SGCN (c). At-risk, expert review or recent assessment.
This species is globally ranked G4, Apparently Secure; however, it is considered Vulnerable (S3) in North Dakota. Limited data has created difficulty in assessing the state’s population and trends.
Threats
The species can be negatively impacted by overgrazing.
The larvae take two years to develop to adults and larval burrows are particularly susceptible to trampling.
Research and Monitoring
A survey of the cicindelid species of Theodore Roosevelt National Park was conducted from 2001- 2003.
The only current state records come from these survey efforts.
Increased survey efforts are needed to gain a better understanding of this species distribution and population trends.
Management Recommendations
- Protect and manage healthy badlands habitats.
- Ensure occupied areas and areas of suitable habitat are managed with appropriate grazing times and stocking levels.
