Cicindela longilabris
Say, 1824
Boreal Long-lipped Tiger Beetle, long-lipped tiger beetle
Species Guides
3- Cicindela longilabris laurentii(Laurent's Long-lipped Tiger Beetle)
- Cicindela longilabris longilabris(Boreal Long-lipped Tiger Beetle)
- Cicindela longilabris perviridis(Green Long-lipped Tiger Beetle)
Cicindela longilabris is a North American tiger found in and high-elevation . The is characterized by elongated mouthparts, reflected in both its scientific and . Three are recognized: C. l. longilabris, C. l. laurentii, and C. l. perviridis. exhibit physiological adaptations to thermal and hydric conditions in their respective habitats.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cicindela longilabris: //sɪˈsɪndələ ˌlɒnɡɪˈlæbrɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar tiger beetles by elongated (upper lip), the feature giving the its name. differ in coloration: C. l. perviridis exhibits green coloration, while nominate subspecies and C. l. laurentii show more typical tiger patterning. May form intergrades with C. nebraskana (prairie long-lipped tiger beetle) in zones of contact.
Habitat
forests and climatic refugia, including high pine forests. In the Black Hills region, occurs in shortgrass prairie where it may hybridize with C. nebraskana. Associated with open ground in cooler, higher-elevation environments compared to many .
Distribution
North America, with records from Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States. Documented from the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, with extending into Nebraska Sand Hills and associated Great Plains regions.
Seasonality
Active during fall season in temperate regions, with observed in September in the northern Great Plains. Part of the spring/fall tiger fauna distinct from summer-active .
Behavior
excavate burrows for shelter, observed kicking dirt from burrow entrances in late afternoon. Larvae construct vertical burrows in suitable substrates.
Human Relevance
Subject of entomological collecting and study. Featured in regional field guides for South Dakota and Nebraska. Potential hybrid zones with C. nebraskana of interest for evolutionary studies.
Similar Taxa
- Cicindela nebraskanaPrairie long-lipped tiger ; forms intergrades with C. longilabris in shortgrass prairie . Distinguished by preference and subtle morphological differences where ranges overlap.
- Cicindela limbataSandy tiger beetle; syntopic in some Great Plains but distinguished by vivid white and metallic green coloration, preference for active sand dune environments.
More Details
Physiological adaptations
from and climatic refugia differ in preferred body temperature, metabolic physiology, and , reflecting local to thermal and moisture regimes.
Subspecies variation
C. l. perviridis (green long-lipped tiger beetle) shows distinct green coloration compared to nominate and C. l. laurentii (Laurent's long-lipped tiger beetle).
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Bembicid Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
- Rattled in the Black Hills | Beetles In The Bush
- A hunting we will go! | Beetles In The Bush
- Preferred Body Temperature, Metabolic Physiology, and Water Balance of Adult Cicindela longilabris: A Comparison of Populations from Boreal Habitats and Climatic Refugia