 |
|
|
Cicindela tranquebarica, now rather rare, is known from over 20 localities within the state. Of 114 specimens databased the first record for this species in CT is 3 May 1850 and it was most recently collected on 30 Apr 1997. Since 1953, however, only 2-7 populations have been documented in CT. Records indicate numerous populations have probably gone extinct (e.g. nr Storrs). The nominate subspecies is known from 22 states (WI, MI, ON, PQ, NB, NS, PE, NF, NY, VT, NH, ME, MA, CT, RI, IL, IN, PA, NJ, MD, DE, DC) (Boyd 1982) but I lack information on the current status of populations outside Connecticut.
Synonymies:Cicindela vulgaris Say 1818--409;Cicindela obliquata Dejean 1825--72;Cicindela horiconensis Leng 1902--145;Cicindela minor Leng 1910--80;Cicindela vulgarisminor E.D. Harris 1911--18;Cicindela crinifrons Casey 1913--9;Cicindela turbulenta Casey 1913--25;Cicindela wichitana Casey 1914--21;Cicindela viridula Varas-Arangua 1927--173.
Conservation status: Not federally listed. Listed in CT as "Special Concern". Proposed Heritage ranking: S1
Diagnosis: Cicindela tranquebarica is easily differentiated from other Connecticut species by its posteriorly directed humeral (shoulder) lunule that is not recurved (all other CT species have lunules that are directed mesad (towards the middle of the body), anteriorly (C. hirticollis) or are sharply recurved (C. puritana)). Larvae: (after Hamilton 1925 ) U-shaped ridge on caudal part of frons with 2 distinct setae (not 3 or 4), inner hooks with never more than 2 setae on shoulder, setae on dorsum of head and pronotum white, median hooks with 3 distinct setae of equal size, 9th abdominal sternum with caudal margin bearing 2 groups of 4 or more setae on each (not 3 setae on each).
Biology: I have found it easier to collect the larvae of this species than the adults. The larval burrows are straight and from 10 to 20 inches deep. The adults are active in the spring and the fall. In Connecticut this species is associated with beaches, sand blowouts, sand and gravel quarries and barrens. The adults have been most commonly found during May (table 9).
Material examined: 114 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.
.GIF)
Collection events (n=62) of Cicindela tranquebarica over time, 1850-1998. Data lumped into 5 year intervals.
|
|