Nebria arkansana

Casey, 1913

Arkansas river gazelle beetle

Species Guides

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Nebria arkansana is a of ground beetle in the Nebriinae, first described by Casey in 1913. The species occurs in western North America, with records from Canada and several US states including Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. It is recognized by three with distinct geographic ranges: N. a. arkansana, N. a. edwardsi, N. a. fragilis, and N. a. oowah. The subspecies bear referencing the Arkansas River, Edward's gazelle , fragile gazelle beetle, and La Sal mountains gazelle beetle respectively. Like other members of the Nebria, this species is associated with riparian and montane .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nebria arkansana: //ˈnɛbɹiə ɑɹˈkænsænə//

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Identification

Identification to level requires examination of genitalia and other subtle morphological features; external characteristics overlap substantially with other Nebria species. The four are distinguished primarily by geographic distribution and minor morphological differences. N. a. arkansana occurs in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming; N. a. edwardsi in western North America; N. a. fragilis in Utah and Wyoming; and N. a. oowah restricted to Utah.

Habitat

Associated with riparian corridors and montane environments in western North America. The N. a. oowah is specifically recorded from the La Sal Mountains in Utah, indicating affinity for elevated terrain.

Distribution

Canada; United States (Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico). have more restricted ranges: N. a. arkansana in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming; N. a. edwardsi in western North America; N. a. fragilis in Utah and Wyoming; N. a. oowah in Utah only.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Nebria speciesNebria arkansana is morphologically similar to and requires dissection for definitive identification; and distribution data assist in narrowing possibilities.

More Details

Subspecies

Four recognized: N. a. arkansana (nominate), N. a. edwardsi Kavanaugh 1979, N. a. fragilis Casey 1924, and N. a. oowah Kavanaugh 1979. The subspecies epithet 'arkansana' refers to the Arkansas River, not the state of Arkansas; the does not occur in Arkansas.

Sources and further reading