Cicindelidia rufiventris cumatilis
Mexican Red-bellied Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia rufiventris cumatilis is a of the eastern red-bellied found in the south-central United States, ranging from southwestern Louisiana into eastern Texas. It represents the southwestern extreme of a clinal variation in the , characterized by reduced elytral maculations and rather than or black upper body coloration. in southern Missouri represent intergrades between this subspecies and the nominate form to the east. The subspecies shares the distinctive red-orange that is fully exposed during , a identifying feature of the species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cicindelidia rufiventris cumatilis: //ˌsɪsɪnˈdɛlɪdiə ruːfɪˈvɛntrɪs kjuːˈmætɪlɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from nominate C. rufiventris rufiventris by rather than /black upper body and reduced elytral maculations. Distinguished from C. punctulata (formerly C. ubiquita) by lack of distinct sutural row of green punctures on and by red-orange . Intergrade in southern Missouri show variable expression of cumatilis versus nominate traits, with some individuals appearing more blue with reduced maculations and others more typical of eastern populations.
Appearance
Upper body (, , ) typically rather than the or black seen in nominate ; elytral maculations reduced compared to eastern populations; bright red-orange, visible during . Body form consistent with Cicindelidia : elongated, with large prominent and long legs adapted for rapid running.
Habitat
Sandy or clay soils in open areas; in Texas and Louisiana, associated with coastal plain and near-coastal . In areas of intergradation, found on rocky clay exposures along roadsides, trails, and 2-tracks through open pine forests on sandstone substrates, as well as dolomite glades.
Distribution
Southwestern Louisiana through eastern Texas; intergrades with nominate extend north into southern Missouri (Ozark Highlands).
Seasonality
Summer-active; observed in July and August in Missouri .
Behavior
; rapid-running typical of ; exposes red-orange . in Missouri observed to be locally abundant in suitable during mid-summer, with multiple individuals active along open rocky tracks.
Similar Taxa
- Cicindelidia rufiventris rufiventrisEastern with or black upper body and more developed elytral maculations; intergrades with cumatilis in southern Missouri
- Cicindelidia punctulataLacks red-orange ; has distinct sutural row of green punctures on
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The cumatilis appears to represent an extreme of clinal variation rather than a genetically distinct . includes many such 'subspecies' that likely reflect continuous geographic variation in response to environmental gradients rather than discrete subspecific entities. near Boston with maximally developed elytral maculations have been designated as subspecies hentzi, representing the opposite extreme of this .
Intergrade Classification
Individuals from intergrade in southern Missouri are best classified as 'Cicindelidia rufiventris rufiventris x rufiventris cumatilis intergrades' for taxonomic purposes, though this implies hybridization between distinct populations where continuous clinal variation may be more accurate.