Cicindela albissima

Cicindela albissima, commonly called the Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle is a species of tiger beetle endemic to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in southern Utah, United States.

[1] Adults begin to emerge from the larval stage in March and reach their peak abundance in mid-April to early May.

Its geographic isolation, mtDNA, and morphological differences, particularly the coloration of the elytra and body size, led it to be considered a distinct species.

[7] Rainfall is the primary factor controlling the population of C. albissima, and drought is the most severe threat to the species.

Vegetation damaged by off-road vehicles can lead to degraded larval habitat and reduced prey abundance.

[5] A 370-acre (150 ha) conservation area in which off-road vehicle use is prohibited has been established and covers approximately 80 percent of the beetle's suitable habitat.

A photo of dunes in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park with off-road vehicle tracks on the dunes
Coral Pink Sand Dunes