TIGER BEETLES OF CONNECTICUT

Species Accounts

Cicindela hirticollis is known from a total of ca. 21 localities within the state. Of 68 specimens databased, the earliest collection record that I have found for this species in CT is 15 June 1915 and the latest is 11 June 1998. Since 1971 there have only been 4 localities documented. Cicindela hirticollis occupies tidal flats, coastal beaches and the sandy shores of freshwater rivers or lakes. Records indicate it once occurred along the CT River and at Beach Pond in eastern CT. The only population documented during 1996 is known from East Haven (Sandy Point). A population documented from Hammonasset St. Pk. Meigs Pt. in 1989 has not been documented since, despite efforts in 1996. The nominate subspecies is known from over 20 states and provinces (WI, MI, ON, PQ, NB, NS, PE, SP, NF, NY, VT, NH, ME, MA, CT, RI, IL, IN, OH, PA, NJ, MD, DE, DC) (Boyd 1982) but this report lacks information on the current status of populations outside Connecticut.

Synonymies: Cicindela albohirta Dejean 1826:425. Cicindela unita Kollar 1836:330. Cicindela abrupta Casey 1913:31. Cicindela nigrita C.A. Davis 1903:273. Cicindela rhodensis Calder 1916:93. Cicindela shermani Casey 1916:30

Conservation status: Not federally listed. Listed in CT as "Special Concern". Proposed Heritage ranking: S1

Diagnosis: Cicindela hirticollis is easily differentiated from other Connecticut species by the anterior-directed humeral lunule and the bald genae (cheek area beneath eyes). Some specimens of the very common species,C. repanda , might be mistaken for C. hirticollis, as there is variation in the direction of the humeral lunule. However, the pale marginal line of the elytra on C. repanda is often broken just posterior to the humeral lunule whereas the marginal line of C. hirticollis is continuous. Larvae: (after Hamilton 1925) U-shaped ridge on caudal part of frons with 3 or 4 distinct setae (not 2), head and pronotum metallic colored, not brown; basal segment of the galea with 3 stout setae on the mesal margin; inner hooks with 2 setae;numerous white, flattened or scalelike setae on the pronotum.

Biology: The females oviposit in late June or July and the larvae reach the third instar during late September at which point they seal their burrows by mid (?) October and hibernate (Hamilton 1925). The burrows open in May of the following year and pupation occurs during June or July. The adults eclose in August, overwinter and become sexually mature the following spring (loc. cit.). In Connecticut the adults have been most commonly found during September (table 9).

Material examined: 68 specimens:

For detailed information on these specimens contact the Connecticut Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, 55 High St., Middletown, CT 06457, or the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

Collection events (n=26) of Cicindela hirticollis over time, 1850-1996. Data lumped into five-year intervals.