Parvindela terricola susanagreae
Susan's Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola susanagreae is a of tiger to Nebraska, commonly known as Susan's Tiger Beetle. Formerly classified under Cicindela or Cylindera, this was reassigned to Parvindela following elevation of the former subgenus to generic rank. The subspecies is characterized by bright metallic green coloration and dense setation on the and legs, distinguishing it from superficially similar such as Cicindela sexguttata.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Parvindela terricola susanagreae: /pɑːr.vɪnˈdɛ.lə ˌtɛr.ɪˈkoʊ.lə suːˌzæn.əˈɡreɪ.iː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from Cicindela sexguttata by the densely setose (hairy) front of the and legs—C. sexguttata has a glabrous (smooth) head. Separated from Cicindela scutellaris by lack of red or purple elytral coloration; scutellaris with uniform green coloration do not occur in Nebraska. Differs from Cicindela decemnotata by brighter green coloration without red tinting, and less shiny (not oily) appearance. Distinguished from Parvindela terricola kaibabensis by geographic range (Nebraska vs. Arizona north of Grand Canyon) and typically disconnected elytral maculations.
Habitat
Terrestrial; specific microhabitat preferences not documented in available sources
Distribution
to Nebraska, United States
Behavior
Fast-running typical of tiger beetles; specific behavioral observations for this not documented
Ecological Role
Predatory insect; likely contributes to regulation of small in its
Human Relevance
Subject of identification challenges in entomological ; named honoring an individual (Susan Greae)
Similar Taxa
- Cicindela sexguttataSuperficially similar bright green coloration, but distinguished by glabrous (smooth) and usually more bluish tint
- Cicindela scutellarisSome have uniform green coloration, but these do not occur in Nebraska; scutellaris is stockier with shorter legs
- Cicindela decemnotataSimilar shape and setation, but generally less bright green, often with red tinting and shinier (oily) appearance
- Parvindela terricola kaibabensisFormerly considered a of same ; occurs in Arizona rather than Nebraska, with maculations usually connected
More Details
Taxonomic History
This has undergone multiple generic reassignments: originally described in Cicindela, transferred to Cylindera when that subgenus was elevated, and subsequently to Parvindela following further taxonomic revision. The subspecific epithet 'susanagreae' appears to honor an individual, though the exact derivation is not documented in available sources.
Identification Challenge Context
This was featured as the inaugural specimen in Ted C. MacRae's 'ID Challenge' series on Beetles In The Bush, where correct identification required distinguishing it from multiple similar green tiger beetles based on subtle morphological and geographic characters.