Cicindela hirticollis

Say, 1817

hairy-necked tiger beetle, moustached tiger beetle

Species Guides

4

Cicindela hirticollis is a medium-sized tiger (2–14 mm) found on sand bars and sandy beaches across North America. It is distinguished by dark brown surfaces with very light cream or white elytral markings. The is active in summer and exhibits distinctive thermoregulatory . are currently in decline.

Cicindela hirticollis by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Cicindela hirticollis by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Carabidae- Cicindelinae- Cicindela hirticollis (Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle) by Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cicindela hirticollis: /sɪˈsɪndɛlə hɜːrtɪˈkɒlɪs/

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

Identification

The surest distinguishing character is the 'G'-shaped humeral lunule on the , where the portion is nearly transverse and angles sharply anteriorly on its inner edge. This contrasts with Cicindela repanda, which has a 'C'-shaped humeral lunule that never curls forward on its inner edge. C. hirticollis is also slightly stockier with bolder white markings and a more coppery cast than C. repanda.

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Appearance

Medium-sized , 2–14 mm in length. surfaces of , prothorax, and are dark brown. Elytral markings are very light-colored cream or white. Slightly stockier build than similar , with somewhat bolder white markings and a slightly more coppery cast to the body.

Habitat

Sandy beaches and sand bars along rivers and lakes. In Missouri, restricted to wet sand along large rivers (Mississippi and Missouri Rivers). Not found in interior areas away from water. Larvae construct burrows in sandy beach substrate.

Distribution

Widespread in North America. Found along Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Great Lakes shores, and major river systems. Specific records from Canada, USA, and Mexico. Study sites include Lake Michigan (Emmet County, Michigan), Mississippi River in Missouri, and Cape Girardeau County, Missouri.

Seasonality

Active in summer. observed in late July and early August in Missouri. High larval densities observed in August.

Life Cycle

Larval stage occurs in burrows constructed in sandy beach substrate. active in summer.

Behavior

exhibit 'stilting' and 'sun-facing' —thermoregulatory postures employed when sun heats soil surface to potentially lethal temperatures. Extremely wary and active in hot conditions, making close approach difficult. Adults run rapidly and fly readily when disturbed. In Missouri, always found in association with Cicindela repanda though in much lower numbers.

Human Relevance

Subject of ecological study and nature photography. decline noted, though not currently listed as endangered. One of eleven recognized (C. h. shelfordi) documented in Missouri.

Similar Taxa

  • Cicindela repandaVery similar appearance and ; distinguished by 'C'-shaped (not 'G'-shaped) humeral lunule, less stocky build, and less bold white markings
  • Ellipsoptera cuprascensShares wet sand river beach ; distinguished by coppery coloration and different elytral markings

More Details

Subspecies diversity

Eleven recognized, including C. h. shelfordi (Shelford's Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle) in Missouri, C. h. abrupta, C. h. athabascensis, C. h. coloradula, C. h. corpuscula, C. h. couleensis, C. h. gravida, C. h. hirticollis, C. h. ponderosa, C. h. rhodensis, and C. h. siuslawensis

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Sources and further reading