Saltmarsh Tiger Beetle

Eunota severa

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eunota severa: /juːˈnoʊtə ˈsɛvərə/

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Summary

Eunota severa, commonly known as the Saltmarsh Tiger Beetle, is a species of beetle belonging to the family Cicindelidae. It is characterized by its size and habitat preferences, found predominantly in coastal regions of the Gulf Coast.

Physical Characteristics

Eunota severa measures 11-15 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Key characteristics include its tiger beetle appearance and coloration typical for saline habitats.

Habitat

Salt marshes and coastal areas, particularly along the Gulf Coast.

Distribution

Found in Texas, Florida, and Mexico, mainly along the Gulf Coast.

Diet

Eunota severa primarily preys on other smaller insects, typical of carnivorous beetles.

Life Cycle

Life cycle details are not extensively documented, but typical of beetles, includes larval and adult stages often in moist environments.

Reproduction

Reproductive habits include laying eggs in sandy or loose soil; more specific details are not provided.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator, it plays a role in controlling insect populations in its habitat.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collection
  • Trap sampling

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Pinning for museum collections

Evolution

Eunota is a genus within the family Cicindelidae, first described by Émile Rivalier in 1954, indicating a relatively recent classification.

Misconceptions

It may be confused with other similar tiger beetle species, but E. severa is specifically adapted to saline environments.

Tags

  • Eunota severa
  • Saltmarsh Tiger Beetle
  • Cicindelidae
  • Gulf Coast insects
  • beetles