Cicindela highlandensis is mainly black in color and measures 10.5 to 12 millimeters in length.

It lives in scrub and sandhill habitat with very sandy substrates and surroundings featuring evergreen scrub oaks, turkey oaks, and longleaf pines.

The beetle can be found in open areas, and generally not densely vegetated parts of the habitat.

Its natural vegetation has been lost during development, conversion to citrus groves, and fire suppression.

The beetle does not live in dense patches of vegetation, preferring open areas; fire suppression has allowed the overgrowth of plant matter, reducing the available habitat for the beetle.