Parvindela terricola

(Say, 1824)

Variable Tiger Beetle

Species Guides

6

Parvindela terricola, commonly known as the Variable Tiger , is a of tiger beetle in the Carabidae. The species exhibits notable color variation, with individuals ranging from bright metallic green to forms with red or purple tinting. It has been recorded in western Nebraska at the edge of its distribution, where it inhabits alkaline in badlands and grassland environments. The species was formerly classified under the Cicindela and later Cylindera before its current placement in Parvindela. include C. terricola kaibabensis from the Grand Canyon region.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Parvindela terricola: /ˌpɑːrvɪnˈdɛlə tɛˈrɪkələ/

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Identification

Distinguished from Cicindela sexguttata by the densely setose (hairy) front of the versus glabrous in sexguttata. Separated from Cicindela scutellaris by more slender body form and longer legs; scutellaris is stockier with red or purple in most forms. Differs from Cicindela decemnotata by brighter green coloration without oily appearance, and decemnotata often shows more red tinting. Distinguished from kaibabensis by disconnected (rather than connected) elytral maculations and more eastern distribution.

Habitat

Alkaline including salt-encrusted ground and alkaline creek beds. Found in badlands and mixed-shortgrass prairie environments with exposed clay and alkaline soils. In Nebraska, occurs in the Oglala National Grassland in areas with saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) vegetation.

Distribution

North America. Western edge of range extends into western Nebraska; also occurs in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions. kaibabensis occurs in grassy meadows north of the Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Seasonality

Active in fall; observations from Nebraska made during September.

Diet

Predatory; has been observed feeding on fall armyworm larvae (Spodoptera frugiperda) in captivity. As with other tiger beetles, likely feeds on various small arthropods in the field.

Life Cycle

Larval stage occupies burrows in alkaline soil. Larvae have been successfully reared in containers of alkaline soil in laboratory conditions.

Behavior

Fast-running typical of tiger beetles. active on open ground, darting between vegetation clumps. Difficult to approach closely for observation or photography; individuals often run when approached. Larvae construct and occupy burrows in suitable soil substrates.

Ecological Role

Apex in its microhabitat; controls of small arthropods including agricultural pest such as fall armyworm.

Human Relevance

Subject of interest to entomologists and tiger enthusiasts due to color variation and marginal distribution in Nebraska. No significant documented economic impact.

Similar Taxa

  • Cicindela sexguttataSimilar bright green coloration, but distinguished by glabrous (hairless) front of versus setose in P. terricola, and usually more bluish tint
  • Cicindela scutellarisSome have uniform green coloration, but stockier body with shorter legs and red/purple in most forms; does not occur in Nebraska
  • Cicindela decemnotataSimilar size and setation, but generally less bright green, often with red tinting and shinier (oily) appearance; very rare in Nebraska
  • Parvindela terricola kaibabensis with connected elytral maculations versus disconnected in nominate terricola; restricted to Arizona north of Grand Canyon

More Details

Taxonomic history

Formerly classified as Cicindela terricola, then moved to Cylindera terricola when subgenus Cylindera was elevated to generic rank. Currently placed in Parvindela following further taxonomic revision. The subgenus Parvindela was elevated to generic status, resulting in the current combination Parvindela terricola.

Subspecies validity

kaibabensis (from Arizona) is still recognized within P. terricola, though some researchers have questioned the validity of subspecific distinctions in tiger beetles due to broad intergradation zones.

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Sources and further reading