Cicindela hirticollis gravida

LeConte, 1851

Pacific Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle

Cicindela hirticollis gravida is a of in the , first described by LeConte in 1851. As part of the C. hirticollis , it shares the characteristic hairy neck and preference for wet sandy near water bodies. The subspecies is distributed along Pacific coastal regions and associated river systems. are active that hunt small , with constructing burrows in sandy substrates.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cicindela hirticollis gravida: /sɪˈsɪndələ hɜrtɪˈkoʊlɪs ˈɡrævɪdə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other C. hirticollis by geographic distribution along the Pacific coast. exhibit the typical C. hirticollis : stocky build with distinct elytral markings, hairy , and coppery body coloration. The (white shoulder marking) is "G"-shaped with the portion nearly transverse and angling sharply anteriorly on its inner edge. Compared to the C. repanda, C. hirticollis is stockier with bolder white markings and more coppery coloration; C. repanda has a "C"-shaped humeral lunule that never curls forward.

Habitat

Wet sandy along water bodies, including river sandbars, lake shores, and coastal beaches. Prefers barren or sparsely vegetated sand near vegetation edges rather than open sand flats.

Distribution

Pacific coastal regions of North America; recorded from Canada, USA, and Mexico.

Seasonality

Active during warmer months; have been observed from spring through fall depending on local conditions.

Diet

are predatory, feeding on small . Specific items have not been documented for this .

Life Cycle

construct burrows in sandy soil; third larvae seal burrows for . Specific developmental timing for this has not been documented.

Behavior

are fast-running, wary, and difficult to approach for photography during hot conditions. Exhibits thermoregulatory "stilting" and "sun-facing" behaviors on hot substrates.

Ecological Role

in sandy riparian and coastal .

Similar Taxa

  • Cicindela hirticollis shelfordiAnother of C. hirticollis, distinguished by geographic distribution (interior river systems rather than Pacific coast) and subtle morphological differences in elytral markings.
  • Cicindela repanda in wet sand ; distinguished by "C"-shaped (vs. "G"-shaped) , less stocky build, and less distinct markings.

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