18 Records

Status

Cicindela purpurea has a wide range across much of North America. In Maryland, the nominate form occurs. This species generally prefers grassy habitats with patches of open, bare substrate, including pastures and powerline rights-of-way. The soil type can vary from primarily clay, to having a substantial sandy component. It is among the first species of tiger beetles to become active in spring, and can sometimes be found basking on warm sunny days in March. Cow Path Tiger Beetles are often quite wary, and tend to fly long distances when flushed. They also often occur at low densities, which makes detecting populations in small patches of habitat difficult (Knisley & Schultz, 1997). This species is on the watch list (S3).