Eunota circumpicta johnsonii
(Fitch, 1857)
Johnson's Tiger Beetle
Eunota circumpicta johnsonii, commonly known as Johnson's , is a of tiger beetle in the ( Cicindelinae). It is a saline found in the central and southern Great Plains of North America. The is active during summer months and exhibits habitat partitioning with co-occurring tiger beetle species through temporal and microhabitat segregation. It has been observed in alkaline lake margins, saline flats, and salt-encrusted soils, often alongside other saline-adapted tiger beetles.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eunota circumpicta johnsonii: /juːˈnoʊtə ˌsɜːrkəmˈpɪktə ˌdʒɒnˈsənaɪ/
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Identification
Johnson's can be distinguished from similar Eunota by its summer activity period, contrasting with the spring/fall activity of E. togata globicollis (alkali tiger beetle) with which it often co-occurs. It prefers more vegetated zones at the edge of saline flats compared to the open-area preference of E. togata globicollis. From Cicindela nevadica knausii, another summer-active saline , it may be distinguished by subtle differences in elytral maculation pattern and body proportions. The green color form can be confused with Cicindelidia punctulata chihuahuae, but structural features of the and antennal setation differ.
Appearance
in the Eunota are characterized by their streamlined, predatory body form adapted for rapid running. E. circumpicta johnsonii exhibits color variation, with individuals observed in both green and forms. As a member of the Cicindelinae, it possesses large, prominent and elongated legs adapted for (running) . The bear characteristic maculations (markings) typical of the group.
Habitat
of saline including alkaline lake margins, saline flats, and salt-encrusted soils. Occurs in areas with sparse vegetation at the edges of saline flats, showing preference for more vegetated zones compared to some co-occurring saline . Documented from gypsum/red siltstone slopes, saltbush chaparral, and alkaline flat environments in the Great Plains.
Distribution
Central and southern Great Plains of North America. Documented from New Mexico (including Bottomless Lakes State Park, Bitter Lake National Wildlife , and Lea Lake), Oklahoma (Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge), and adjacent regions. GBIF records indicate presence in Mexico and USA.
Seasonality
Summer-active . have been observed during June and September field surveys, with peak activity during warmer months. Temporal segregation from spring/fall active species such as Eunota togata globicollis and Cicindela fulgida reduces in shared saline .
Behavior
Exhibits typical predatory , running rapidly to capture . Observed engaging in -seeking behavior during peak heat of day. Has been documented scavenging at salmon , indicating opportunistic feeding behavior. Shows microhabitat selection that facilitates coexistence with other saline flat tiger beetles through spatial partitioning.
Ecological Role
in saline flat . As a summer-active , it occupies a distinct temporal from spring/fall active , contributing to species packing and reduced competition in saline . size correlates with mandibular size, providing with co-occurring species of different body sizes.
Human Relevance
Subject of ecological research on partitioning and coexistence in extreme environments. Occasionally encountered by and naturalists in saline lake habitats. Not considered economically significant.
Similar Taxa
- Eunota togata globicollisCo-occurs in saline but active in spring/fall rather than summer; prefers more open areas versus vegetated edges
- Cicindela nevadica knausiiSummer-active saline sharing ; distinguished by subtle differences in maculation and body proportions
- Cicindelidia punctulata chihuahuaeGreen color form similar; distinguished by elytral structure, antennal setation, and non-saline
More Details
Nomenclatural history
Originally described as Cicindela circumpicta johnsonii by Fitch in 1857, this was subsequently transferred to the Eunota. The specific epithet circumpicta refers to the encircling markings on the .
Habitat partitioning research
Studies at Salt Plains National Wildlife have documented eight , with E. circumpicta johnsonii representing one of four true saline . Coexistence is facilitated by temporal segregation (seasonal activity differences) and microhabitat selection (vegetation zone preferences).