Cicindelidia abdominalis

(Fabricius, 1801)

Eastern Pine Barrens Tiger Beetle

Cicindelidia abdominalis is the most broadly distributed member of the abdominalis -group, occurring across the southeastern United States Coastal Plain. This small tiger inhabits dry sandy including pine barrens and sandhill . are active during summer months and exhibit characteristic thermoregulatory such as stilting and sun-facing during periods of extreme heat. The species can be distinguished from closely related Florida endemics by its smooth , presence of fine decumbent setae on the pronotum and mes- and metepisterna, and typically four labral setae.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cicindelidia abdominalis: /ˌkɪsɪnˈdɛlɪdɪə ˌæbdəˈmɪnəlɪs/

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

Identification

Distinguished from C. scabrosa and C. floridana by smooth (not deeply punctured) and absence of dense white setae along lateral pronotal margins. Separated from C. highlandensis by presence of fine decumbent setae on pronotum and mes- and metepisterna (C. highlandensis has glabrous pronotum and episterna). Distinguished from other tiger beetles by combination of red venter, small size, smooth elytra with shallow punctures, and presence of elytral lunules.

Habitat

Dry sand including pine barrens, sandhills, and oak-pine scrub. Specifically associated with well-drained sandy soils in open . In Florida, found in pine sandhill habitat with longleaf pine and turkey oak canopy and wiregrass understory.

Distribution

Southeastern United States Coastal Plain from New Jersey west to Louisiana, south through Florida to approximately the northern half of the peninsula. Widespread across the Coastal Plain; not restricted to Florida like other members of the abdominalis group.

Seasonality

active during summer months, with peak activity in mid-summer. Activity ceases or diminishes during periods of extreme midday heat through behavioral or shade-seeking.

Behavior

Exhibits thermoregulatory during extreme heat: stilting (standing tall on long legs to elevate body above hot surface air), sun-facing (elevating body with oriented toward sun to minimize exposed surface area), and shade-seeking. are fast-running, characteristic of tiger beetles generally.

Ecological Role

Predatory insect in sandy, open . Larvae are sit-and-wait in burrows.

Human Relevance

Subject of interest to entomologists and tiger collectors. Used as for quality of pine barrens and sandhill . Not known to be of economic importance.

Similar Taxa

Cicindelidia highlandensisMost similar ; distinguished by glabrous pronotum and mes- and metepisterna (lacking setae present in C. abdominalis), and restricted to Lake Wales Ridge in central Florida
Cicindelidia scabrosaDistinguished by deeply punctured (scabrous) , dense white setae along lateral pronotal margins, six labral setae, and black coloration
Cicindelidia floridanaDistinguished by deeply punctured , dense white setae along lateral pronotal margins, six labral setae, and brilliant coppery-green coloration in living individuals

More Details

Taxonomic History

Formerly classified as Cicindela abdominalis. Transferred to Cicindelidia based on classification by Rivalier (1954) and followed by Brzoska et al. (2011), though some authorities still recognize it as Cicindela (Cicindelidia) abdominalis.

Phylogenetic Relationships

Member of the abdominalis -group, one of four species that presumably evolved during the Pleistocene Epoch when fluctuating sea levels isolated peninsular Florida from the mainland. C. abdominalis is the only non- member of this group, with the other three species (C. floridana, C. highlandensis, C. scabrosa) being Florida endemics or near-endemics.