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How to Identify Beetles in Nevada

The state of Nevada is primarily a desert landscape, the weather often being hot, harsh and unforgiving for human inhabitants. But many insects tend to thrive in such climates, and the tiger beetle of Nevada is no exception. One species of the tiger beetle family is Cicindela punctulata, and learning how to identify this insect can be a fun exercise in becoming more familiar with the environment.

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the type of environment in which the beetle has been found. Cicindela punctulata thrive in habitats with little or no foliage and hard-packed soil. The southwest region of Nevada is a prime example.
- 2
  Identify the season in which the beetle has been found. Adult Cicindela punctulata are active only during the summer months.
- 3
  Identify the physical traits of the beetle itself. The average body size of an adult Cicindela punctulata is roughly 1/2 inch. The thorax is black, brown or bronze in color and contains several small punctures.

Insects & Science