Sand dunes tiger beetle (Cicindela theatina), Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, 2015.

Found only in Great Sand Dunes NP, these little beetles have very unique characteristics. While most insects are short-lived, the tiger beetle takes over two-and-a-half years (including two winter hibernations) to become an adult. Once they become an adult, they're free to roam the dunes and are adapted to the sparse environment and temperature extremes. Like other unique tiger beetle species in their own isolated dune systems, they all face serious threats from off-road vehicles, reservoir flooding and development.