Cicindela columbica

Hatch, 1938

Columbia River tiger beetle

Cicindela columbica is a to Idaho, United States, known as the Columbia River tiger beetle. The is critically endangered, with its range now restricted to the Lower Salmon River system following extirpation from Oregon and Washington due to dam construction on the Columbia River. It inhabits sand bars and river beaches where it hunts smaller .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cicindela columbica: //sɪsɪnˈdɛlə koʊˈlʌmbɪkə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Habitat

Sand bars and river beaches, especially near dunes. The requires open sandy substrates associated with riverine environments.

Distribution

to Idaho, United States. Currently restricted to the Lower Salmon River system. Historically occurred in Oregon and Washington along the Columbia River but extirpated from both states.

Diet

hunt and consume smaller . are also predatory, ambushing from sand burrows.

Life Cycle

construct burrows in sand from which they ambush . are active . Specific details on and are not documented.

Behavior

are active hunters on open sand surfaces. are sit-and-wait that conceal themselves in vertical burrows with only their flat exposed at the entrance.

Ecological Role

in its microhabitat, controlling of small . The serves as an indicator of intact riverine sand bar .

Human Relevance

Subject to concern due to loss from river damming. The has been extirpated from two of three states in its former range. Dam construction has inundated river bank habitat, causing widespread declines.

More Details

Conservation Status

The is critically imperiled. Damming of the Columbia River and its tributaries has reduced water levels and inundated river bank , leading to extirpation from Oregon and Washington and severe range contraction in Idaho.

Historical Range Contraction

Formerly distributed across three states (Idaho, Oregon, Washington), the now survives only in a single river system in Idaho, representing one of the most dramatic range reductions among North .