Cicindela hirticollis gravida

LeConte, 1851

Pacific Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle

Cicindela hirticollis gravida is a of tiger in the Carabidae, 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 arthropods, with larvae 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 white elytral markings, hairy pronotum, and coppery body coloration. The humeral lunule (white shoulder marking) is "G"-shaped with the portion nearly transverse and angling sharply anteriorly on its inner edge. Compared to the sympatric 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 patches 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 arthropods. Specific prey items have not been documented for this .

Life Cycle

Larvae construct burrows in sandy soil; third instar 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" 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 repandaSympatric in wet sand ; distinguished by "C"-shaped (vs. "G"-shaped) humeral lunule, less stocky build, and less distinct white markings.

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