Cicindela willistoni sulphontis
Cicindela willistoni sulphontis is a of the Williston's , a member of the . This tiger beetle is associated with saline and alkali in arid western North America. are active during post-monsoonal periods following summer rains. The subspecies is part of a complex of tiger beetles that exhibit fine- habitat partitioning in salt flat environments.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cicindela willistoni sulphontis: //sɪˈkɪndɪlə wɪˈlɪstəni sʌlˈfɒntɪs//
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Habitat
Saline and alkali including salt flats, salt lakes, and playas. Associated with areas of damp to wet substrate near water edges in arid environments.
Distribution
Western North America; specifically associated with saline lake regions. The broader C. willistoni occurs in the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico.
Seasonality
emerge and are active during post-monsoonal periods, primarily July through early fall, triggered by summer monsoonal rains.
Ecological Role
Participates in partitioning within , utilizing specific microhabitat zones (wet mud near water edges) that reduce direct competition with .
Similar Taxa
- Cicindela willistoni estanciaAnother of C. willistoni; sulphontis distinguished by geographic distribution and potentially subtle differences in elytral maculation pattern and coloration
- Ellipsoptera nevadicaAlso occupies water's edge microhabitat in saline environments; distinguished by -level differences in body form and elytral pattern
More Details
Habitat partitioning
Research at Laguna del Perro, New Mexico demonstrated that C. willistoni (represented by estancia in that study) exhibits strong microhabitat fidelity, occupying thick wet mud immediately adjacent to water in salt flat environments. This partitioning allows coexistence with up to seven other in the same general area by reducing direct competition for resources.