Cicindela scutellaris yampae
Rumpp, 1986
Yampa Tiger Beetle
Cicindela scutellaris yampae, the Yampa Tiger , is a distinctive of the Festive Tiger Beetle to sand dune in northwestern Colorado, particularly the Yampa River Valley. First described by Rumpp in 1986, it is characterized by its striking red, white, and blue coloration. The subspecies occurs sympatrically with Cicindela formosa gibsoni in sandy blowout habitats with sparse vegetation. It is considered rare and has been documented from only a handful of localities in Moffat County, Colorado.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cicindela scutellaris yampae: /sɪˈsɪndələ ˌskuːtəˈlærɪs ˈjæmpeɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from sympatric Cicindela formosa gibsoni by its red (versus ivory or cream-colored in C. f. gibsoni with a dark red wedge down the middle). Separated from C. s. scutellaris by more expanded white maculations and brighter coloration. The 'red, white, and blue' pattern is diagnostic for this in its limited range.
Habitat
Restricted to active sand dunes and sand blowouts with sparse vegetation. Found in sandy with little vegetation cover, often on rounded quartz sand. Occurs in the Maybell Sand Dunes and similar dune systems in northwestern Colorado.
Distribution
to northwestern Colorado, specifically Moffat County in the Yampa River Valley. Documented from sand dunes east and west of Maybell, Colorado, including the Maybell Sand Dunes.
Seasonality
have been observed in May and during fall tiger collecting trips (September-October). Larvae are present in the substrate and can be collected for rearing to adulthood.
Life Cycle
Larval stage occurs in burrows in sandy substrate. Third-instar larvae have been collected in fall and can be reared to adulthood in captivity. Complete details are not fully documented.
Behavior
are fast-running typical of tiger beetles. They have been observed active on warm days in sandy blowout . Larvae construct vertical burrows in loose sand.
Ecological Role
in sand dune . Larvae are predators that occupy burrows in sandy substrates.
Human Relevance
Sought after by tiger collectors and photographers due to its striking coloration and rarity. The has been the target of dedicated collecting trips. Its limited distribution makes it vulnerable to changes.
Similar Taxa
- Cicindela formosa gibsoniOccurs sympatrically in the same sand dune . Distinguished by ivory or cream-colored with dark red wedge versus the bright red elytra with white maculations of C. s. yampae.
- Cicindela scutellaris scutellarisWidespread Great Plains with similar body form but less expanded white maculations and generally less vivid coloration. The nominate subspecies lacks the striking 'red, white, and blue' contrast of C. s. yampae.
- Cicindela limbataMay occur in similar sandy but is smaller, more delicate, and has different elytral maculation patterns without the vivid red coloration.
More Details
Taxonomic Notes
The was described by Rumpp in 1986 based on specimens from the Yampa River Valley. It represents a localized, color-differentiated of the widespread C. scutellaris.
Conservation Status
The extremely limited distribution in a restricted type makes this vulnerable. It has been documented from only a handful of localities and is considered rare.
Co-occurrence
Frequently found alongside Cicindela formosa gibsoni in the same dune systems, though the two are readily distinguished by coloration.