Cicindelidae

Steve Marshall
Environmental Biology
University of Guelph, Ontario


Cicindela purpurea
Cicindela formosa

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Overview
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"Tiger beetles are one of the more popular groups of beetles among collectors. They comprise a diverse group containing approximately 2000 species (Pearson, 1988) with many elaborate, brightly colored, and iridescent patterns. They are distributed worldwide with the exceptions of Tasmania, Antarctica, and a few small oceanic islands (Pearson, 1988). They are small to medium sized insects (7-40 mm) easily identified by their long, sickle-shaped mandibles, thin running legs, bulbous wide set eyes, and 11 segmented antennae (Knisley & Schultz, 1997). The eyes tend to be the main characteristic by which this group is differentiated from the closely related ground beetles (Carabidae)."-- Knisley & Schultz (4)

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Subfamilies

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Identification guide

Identification guides are under development for this family.

Identifying characteristics for the family Cicindelidae include: (2)

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Common names & synonyms

"Most taxonomists recognize Cicindelidae as a legitimate family of the Coleoptera within the suborder Adephaga. However, as recently as 1979, taxonomists have considered them merely to be a subfamily (Cicindelinae) of the Carabidae (Ball, 1979) based on the similarities in structure and behavior."-- Knisley & Schultz (4)
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Photographs

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Classification & higher taxa

ClassInsectaInsects
OrderColeoptera Beetles
SuborderAdephaga
FamilyCicindelidae Tiger beetles

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Geographic distribution

"Tiger beetles occur on most continents. In the United States they are predominantly found in sandy open habitats, including river sandbars, ocean beaches, mudflats, dunes, rocky outcroppings, and even along woodland paths.
There are approximately 100 species of tiger beetles in the US, included in four genera."--(3)

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Natural history

"Recognition in the field is attributed to their long, sickle-shaped mandibles, large and prominent eyes in a head wider than the thorax, often striking and contrasting patterns on the elytra, and long, cursorial legs (Pearson 1988, Wallis 1961).
This family of beetles is principally diurnal and individuals are readily observed in preferred open exposed habitats (Pearson 1985, Dreisig 1981)."--(1)

Life Cycle (3)

Eggs:
Eggs are deposited singly in shallow depressions. Upon eclosion the 1st instar larva digs a vertical burrow in which it will remain until pupation and adult emergence. Before each molt the larva plugs its burrow.
Larvae:
Larvae are S-shaped, with dorsal abdominal hooks (segment 5) which are used to hold position in their vertical burrows. Some species have adapted to surviving long periods of flooding (river species). Burrows range in depth from 8-10 inches (20-25cm) (Megacephala) to several feet (100cm) (Cicindela spp.), the extreme example being that of C. lepida whose larvae have been found to burrow six feet (180cm) deep. Larvae of Florida species (C. abdominalis, C. scutellaris, and C. hirtilabris) burrow to 30 inches. Species that occupy salt flats have larvae whose burrow depths are probably limited by the water table. The few species examined by me have been found to burrow less than one foot. Location of larval burrows has led to the demise of many populations of Cicindela dorsalis. Larval burrows have been marked in a photo taken at Anastasia State Park, Florida. Flags mark the location of C. dorsalis media larvae. Unfortunately the usual site of burrows is also the preferred path for pedestrian and vehicular traffic on beaches in Florida. This conflict has resulted in the complete extinction of populations of this species along many beach areas on both coasts of Florida, and is a topic of concern for remnant populations of other coastal tiger beetles. Among Florida species the only two whose larval habitats remain unknown are C. striga and C. olivacea.
Adults:
Adults of most species occur only during the summer months at Florida localities (Megacephala spp., C. abdominalis, C. scabrosa, C. highlandensis, C. hirtilabris, C. gratiosa and others), while at least two species occur only during the cooler months in Florida (C. scutellaris unicolor and C. nigrior). Larvae occur during late summer and overwinter as last instars. Pupation probably occurs in springtime for summer species. Larvae occur in same habitat as adults for many species, or are found in close proximity to adult habitats for those species that occur in wet areas.
Parasites and Predators:
Tiger beetles are parasitized as larvae by the Diptera family Bombyliidae and the Hymenoptera family Tiphiidae, genus Methoca and genus Pterombrus. They also are regularly preyed upon by robber flies of the Diptera family Asilidae.

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How to encounter

"Adults are active both during daylight hours and at night. During daytime hours adults are found on sandier portions of alkali flats. Nighttime activity includes mating. Individuals are readily attracted to lights, including automobile headlights, "blacklights", and mercury vapor lights. Large numbers may be collected using these attractants."--(3)

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References