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Cicindela fulgida

By Zachary Olson

Geographic Range

The crimson saltflat tiger beetle, Cicindela fulgida, ranges from parts of southern Canada in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, throughout the midwestern United States, and as far south as Texas and New Mexico. The subspecies Cicindela fulgida westbournei has been found in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota. The subspecies C. fulgida fulgida has been found in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The subspecies C. fulgida psuedowillistoni has been found in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The subspecies C. fulgida rumpii has only been found in New Mexico. (Brust, et al., 2005; Pearson, et al., 2006)

Habitat

Cicindela fulgida is found in habitats that have sparse vegetation and moist salt flats. The preferred vegetation is salt grass (Distichlis spicata) and red saltwort (Salicornia rubra). The preferred topsoil contains magnesium sulfate, and high temperatures cause constant evaporation, which give the soil a pH of around 8.5. The areas where these beetles can be found are around lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and shallow roadside ditches that have a high salinity. ("Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, fulgida subspecies", 2013; "Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, westbournei subspecies", 2013; Pearson, et al., 2006)

Physical Description

Crimson saltflat tiger beetles are around 9 to 13 mm long, with most individuals ranging from 10 to 11 mm. Along their wing covers they have three different crescent shaped markings known as maculations, that can be used to distinguish some subspecies. Most colormorphs are a shade of red, while some subspecies have colormorphs that can be green, brown, blue, or even purple. Cicindela fulgida fulgida adults are a bright coppery red color with three white maculations, and as they age their color begins to darken. The middle maculation is bent so that it runs parallel to the edge of the wing cover. The adults of C. fulgida westbournei are very similar in appearance to C. fulgida fulgida and can often be mistaken as older adults of that subspecies. They have some colormorphs that may be purple, blue, or dark green. Adults of the subspecies C. fulgida rumpii are smaller than other subspecies and have large maculations that can cover over half of the wing covers. Subspecies C. fulgida psuedowillistoni is a dark reddish color, but can range from brown to blue to green. The middle maculation is bent, but does not run parallel to the edge of the wing cover. Adults have large mandibles and eyes that allow them to focus in three dimensions. They have long, thin legs used for quick movement. ("Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, fulgida subspecies", 2013; "Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, westbournei subspecies", 2013; Brust, et al., 2005; Pearson, et al., 2006)

The larvae of Cicindela fulgida are white and grub-like in appearance. The part that is exposed from the burrow is colored like the surrounding soil surface. The larvae have large mandibles and eyes that allow them to see in three dimensions, similar to adults. They have two hooks on the fifth segment of their lower abdomen. ("Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, fulgida subspecies", 2013; "Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, westbournei subspecies", 2013)

  • Range length
    9 to 13 mm
    0.35 to 0.51 in

Development

An adult crimson saltflat tiger beetle lays its eggs in May. After the egg hatches, larva burrow into the ground. Similar species of tiger beetle larvae remain in the burrows for up to two years, where they go through three instar stages. By the third instar stage, the larvae become pupae and begin a dormant phase during the fall through the following winter and spring where it begins to metamorphose into an adult. Adults emerge from their pupae the following August and are active consuming food until they begin to overwinter in late September. Adults emerge again to mate in April and lay eggs by May, then die off by the end of July. ("Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, fulgida subspecies", 2013; "Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, westbournei subspecies", 2013; Brust, et al., 2005; Lavallee, 2010)

Reproduction

Adult crimson saltflat tiger beetles mate in spring shortly after emerging from overwintering. Males of the Cicindela fulgida perform a behavior during mating called mate guarding. The male grasps onto the back of a female with mandibles, and after mating with her will remain clasped to keep other males from mating with her. ("National Audobon Society: Field Guide to Insects and Spiders", 2000; "Tiger Beetles of the United States", 2013)

There is little known about the specific reproduction habits of Cicindela fulgida. Eggs are laid in May. A similar species to the Crimson Saltflt Tiger Beetle, the Wallis' Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle lays its eggs under vegetation on soil that the larva will be able to burrow into, while other species may create pits and lay their eggs in them which the larva will be able to use as a burrow. ("National Audobon Society: Field Guide to Insects and Spiders", 2000; "Tiger Beetles of the United States", 2013; Lavallee, 2010)

  • Breeding season
    Mating and oviposition occur in April and May.

Similar tiger beetle species lay their eggs on the soil, where the larvae is able to burrow and survive after hatching. Females of Cicindela fulgida also provide provisioning in their eggs. After oviposition, there is no further care given. ("National Audobon Society: Field Guide to Insects and Spiders", 2000; "Tiger Beetles of the United States", 2013)

  • Parental Investment
  • pre-hatching/birth
    • provisioning
      • female

Lifespan/Longevity

Cicindela fulgida lives for about 10 months as an adult, but about 7 of those months are spent overwintering. They are active for about 3 or 4 months of the year. They remain in the larval stage for up to two years. (Lavallee, 2010)

  • Average lifespan
    Status: wild
    10 months

Behavior

Cicindela fulgida is a gregarious predatory species. It can either actively hunt for prey or sit and wait in shady areas to ambush prey. They locate prey with their large developed eyes and then sprint to it with long thin legs. Crimson saltflat tiger beetles are able to run so fast that they can no longer see, so they must run in spurts, locate the prey, and then try to catch it. Once caught, they grind up prey and release enzymes from glands located at the base of the mandible to begin digestion. When disturbed, they can use their wings for short flights to help escape, or can use their mandibles and the enzyme produced at the base of their mandibles for defense. ("Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, fulgida subspecies", 2013; "Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, westbournei subspecies", 2013; Pearson, et al., 2006)

Larvae of the C. fulgida are also predators that sit and wait in their burrow for prey items to pass by. Once a prey item passes by, the larva reaches out and grabs it with its large mandibles. The larva has two forward facing hooks along its back which it uses to anchor itself in its burrow when pulling in a prey species. When threatened, a larva will retreat deep into its burrow, using its eyes or vibrations in the ground to detect danger. The burrows of larva are distinct between species. The larva builds a burrow among fallen detritus that holds the entrance somewhat above the ground. This type of burrow is thought to be used as a mechanism for thermoregulation as the top of the burrow is cooler being held off the ground. ("Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, fulgida subspecies", 2013; "Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, westbournei subspecies", 2013; Macrae, 2011; Pearson, et al., 2006)

Communication and Perception

Cicindela fulgida adults and larvae have large eyes that give them excellent vision that help them track down prey as well as detect predators. Larvae can also detect vibrations while in their burrows, to determine if predators or prey are nearby. During mating, Cicindela fulgida mates communicate with touch, as the male grasps the female with his mandibles and does not let go. ("Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, fulgida subspecies", 2013; "Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, westbournei subspecies", 2013; Pearson, et al., 2006)

Food Habits

Both the larvae and adults of the crimson saltflat tiger beetles are predators that consume insects, including other tiger beetles, and other arthropods. ("Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, fulgida subspecies", 2013; "Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, westbournei subspecies", 2013; "Tiger Beetles of the United States", 2013; Pearson, et al., 2006)

  • Animal Foods
  • insects
  • terrestrial non-insect arthropods

Predation

Predators of Cicindela fulgida include spiders, robber flies, dragon flies, toads, lizards, and birds. As larvae they are a target of bee fly parasites, as well as prey for many different types of wasps. As predators themselves, they may be difficult for other predators to take down. Tiger beetles are also very quick runners, and are able to outrun other predators. ("Tiger Beetles of the United States", 2013)

Ecosystem Roles

Cicindela fulgida is very important to its ecosystem. As many organisms prey upon the crimson saltflat tiger beetle, it is an important part of the food chain. It is also a significant predator itself, and preys on a variety of invertebrate prey. Larvae are used as hosts by bee fly parasites. Tiger beetles are also an important indicators of ecosystem health. Since C. fulgida is specialized for alkaline habitats, declines in population can indicate changes in their environment. ("Tiger Beetles of the United States", 2013)

Commensal/Parasitic Species

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

Crimson saltflat tiger beetles are important for humans. They provide a source for entertainment and are a hobby for many people because of their vibrant colors and their ferocious predatory behaviors. They are used for many different types of studies in speciation, predator-prey interactions, ecology, physiology, and genomics. Adults and larvae of similar species prey upon pest insects, though it is not known if C. fulgida has any impact on pest populations. ("Tiger Beetles of the United States", 2013; Pearson, et al., 2006)

  • Positive Impacts
  • research and education

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

There are no known adverse effects of Cicindela fulgida on humans.

Conservation Status

Although the species Cicindela fulgida is not federally listed under a conservation status, many other species of tiger beetles are listed federally. In Minnesota, the crimson saltflat tiger beetle is listed as endangered due to its specific habitat requirements. They are very susceptible to changes in the hydrology of their environment. Other threats include agricultural runoff and conversion, pesticides, and vegetation management. ("Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, fulgida subspecies", 2013; "Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, westbournei subspecies", 2013; "Tiger Beetles of the United States", 2013)

Other Comments

There are four recognized subspecies of the species Cicindela fulgida. They are Cicindela fulgida fulgida, Cicindela fulgida westbournei, Cicindella fulgida psuedowillistoni, and Cicindela fulgida rumpii. All species have the same common name. (Pearson, et al., 2006)

Contributors

Zachary Olson (author), Minnesota State University, Mankato, Robert Sorensen (editor), Minnesota State University, Mankato, Angela Miner (editor), Animal Diversity Web Staff.

Glossary

Nearctic

living in the Nearctic biogeographic province, the northern part of the New World. This includes Greenland, the Canadian Arctic islands, and all of the North American as far south as the highlands of central Mexico.

World Map

bilateral symmetry

having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.

carnivore

an animal that mainly eats meat

diapause

a period of time when growth or development is suspended in insects and other invertebrates, it can usually only be ended the appropriate environmental stimulus.

diurnal
  1. active during the day, 2. lasting for one day.
ectothermic

animals which must use heat acquired from the environment and behavioral adaptations to regulate body temperature

fertilization

union of egg and spermatozoan

heterothermic

having a body temperature that fluctuates with that of the immediate environment; having no mechanism or a poorly developed mechanism for regulating internal body temperature.

insectivore

An animal that eats mainly insects or spiders.

internal fertilization

fertilization takes place within the female's body

metamorphosis

A large change in the shape or structure of an animal that happens as the animal grows. In insects, "incomplete metamorphosis" is when young animals are similar to adults and change gradually into the adult form, and "complete metamorphosis" is when there is a profound change between larval and adult forms. Butterflies have complete metamorphosis, grasshoppers have incomplete metamorphosis.

motile

having the capacity to move from one place to another.

native range

the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic.

oviparous

reproduction in which eggs are released by the female; development of offspring occurs outside the mother's body.

riparian

Referring to something living or located adjacent to a waterbody (usually, but not always, a river or stream).

seasonal breeding

breeding is confined to a particular season

semelparous

offspring are all produced in a single group (litter, clutch, etc.), after which the parent usually dies. Semelparous organisms often only live through a single season/year (or other periodic change in conditions) but may live for many seasons. In both cases reproduction occurs as a single investment of energy in offspring, with no future chance for investment in reproduction.

sexual

reproduction that includes combining the genetic contribution of two individuals, a male and a female

suburban

living in residential areas on the outskirts of large cities or towns.

tactile

uses touch to communicate

temperate

that region of the Earth between 23.5 degrees North and 60 degrees North (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle) and between 23.5 degrees South and 60 degrees South (between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle).

terrestrial

Living on the ground.

vibrations

movements of a hard surface that are produced by animals as signals to others

visual

uses sight to communicate

References

2000. National Audobon Society: Field Guide to Insects and Spiders. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc..

2013. "Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, fulgida subspecies" (On-line). Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Accessed March 28, 2013 at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=IICOL023G6.

2013. "Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle, westbournei subspecies" (On-line). Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Accessed March 28, 2013 at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=IICOL023G1.

2013. "Tiger Beetles of the United States" (On-line). Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. Accessed March 28, 2013 at http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/insects/tigb/intro.htm.

Brust, M., S. Spomer, W. Hoback. 2005. "Tiger beetles of Nebraska" (On-line). Accessed March 28, 2013 at http://www.unk.edu (Version 5APR2005).

Lavallee, S. 2010. "COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Wallis’ Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle" (On-line pdf). Accessed April 28, 2013 at http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2011/ec/CW69-14-587-2010-eng.pdf.

Macrae, T. 2011. "Diversity in Teger Beetle Larval Burrows" (On-line). Beetles in the Bush. Accessed March 28, 2013 at http://beetlesinthebush.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/diversity-in-tiger-beetle-larval-burrows/.

Pearson, D., C. Knisley, C. Kazilek. 2006. A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of the United States and Canada: Identification, Natural History, and Distribution of the Cicindelidea. 198 madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016: Oxford Univeristy Press, Inc.

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