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Gulf beach tiger beetle

Gulf beach tiger beetle

Habroscelimorpha dorsalis

A species of Habroscelimorpha, Also known as Saulcy's beach tiger beetle

The body length is 13 to 15 millimetres (0.51 to 0.59 in). The head and thorax are bronze-green, the legs are long and slender, and the elytra are white to light tan with narrow bronze markings. The head has long antennae, large compound eyes, and powerful jaws. There are white hairs on the pronotum and the sides of the abdomen. The pale coloration provides camouflage for the beetle on the light sand. The larvae are grub-like, with long, segmented bodies and large jaws similar to those of adults. Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis, commonly known as the Northeastern beach tiger beetle, is the largest subspecies of Habroscelimorpha dorsalis. In 2012, the subgenus Habroscelimorpa was reclassified to the genus level Fitting to its name, the Northeastern beach tiger beetle is found along the north-eastern coast of the US and dwells in small sand burrows. The beetle is highly susceptible to abundant human activity and beach erosion, and in 1990, the Northeastern beach tiger beetle was listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). It is the only subspecies to be listed under the ESA. The larva of the subspecies C. d. media is notable for its ability to leap into the air, loop its body into a rotating wheel and roll along the sand at a high speed using wind to propel itself. If the wind is strong enough, the larva can cover up to 60 metres (200 ft) in this manner. This remarkable ability may have evolved to help the larva escape predators such as the thynnid wasp Methocha. Wheel locomotion in nature is extremely rare and has only been observed in a few animals around the world.

General Info About Gulf beach tiger beetle
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Attributes of Gulf beach tiger beetle
Colors
Black
Bronze
White
Habitat
H. d. media is found along the southeast coast of the United States, including South Carolina. H. d. dorsalis is found along the northeast coast. C. d. saulcyi and C. d. venusta occur along the coasts of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Mexico. In general, C. dorsalis is most abundant on broad, fine-sand beaches that are highly exposed to tidal action and relatively undisturbed by humans. In order for the beetles to breed, beaches need to be at least 100 metres (330 ft) long and 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) wide, 5-8 being the optimal width. The eastern beach tiger beetle prefers a climate with average temperatures exceeding 15 °C and moderate to arid rainfall totals.
Adult Food Sources
Beetles, ants, small invertebrates, termites, fly larvae
Larva Food Source
Small insects, spiders, caterpillars, larvae of other insects, aphids
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Gulf beach tiger beetle
Widespread
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Predators of Gulf beach tiger beetle Larvae
Birds, frogs, spiders, mantises
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Predators of Adult Gulf beach tiger beetle
Birds, reptiles, spiders, insects
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Interesting Facts About Gulf beach tiger beetle
Gulf beach tiger beetle can run at speeds comparable to humans when scaled to their body size, exhibiting remarkable bursts of speed for its tiny structure.
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Scientific Classification of Gulf beach tiger beetle
Tips for Finding Gulf beach tiger beetle
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Youth Habitat of Gulf beach tiger beetle
Beaches and Coastal Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
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Habitat Preferences of Gulf beach tiger beetle Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of gulf beach tiger beetle are typically found in moist soil or sand near bodies of water, where they burrow and hunt for small invertebrates. To find them, one would need to carefully dig and sift through the substrate along riverbanks, lakesides, or coastal zones. Adult gulf beach tiger beetle, being more mobile, are often encountered on open ground in similar wet environments, especially on sandy beaches, where they actively hunt or scavenge. Searching for adults would involve scouting the surface at night when they are most active, possibly using a light to spot them as they move.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Gulf beach tiger beetle
The best time to find adult gulf beach tiger beetle would be at night, as many beetle species are nocturnal and more active during this time. Larval stages are less specific to time but often are more visible after rain.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Gulf beach tiger beetle
Warm and humid conditions are ideal for finding gulf beach tiger beetle, as these conditions are conducive for their activity and for the organic decomposition which provides them food resources.
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How and Where Can You Find Gulf beach tiger beetle at Different Life Stages
Larva Gulf beach tiger beetle larvae are typically found underground or in decaying logs and moist soil where they hunt for small insects. They can be found by gently digging through such substrates with care to minimize habitat disruption.
Pupal Gulf beach tiger beetle pupae are generally motionless and can be located in the soil or leaf litter near the larval food sources and require careful searching without disturbing the environment too much.
Adult Gulf beach tiger beetle adults can be found on the ground or vegetation. At night, use a flashlight to locate them by their movement or attracting them with light traps. During the day, look under rocks, logs, or debris where they may be hiding.
Are Gulf beach tiger beetle harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Gulf beach tiger beetle
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Diets
Caterpillars
Gulf beach tiger beetle is an avid hunter both in its larval and adult stages, specializing in preying on caterpillars. Its predation serves primarily to feed itself. With powerful mandibles and a voracious appetite, gulf beach tiger beetle plays a critical role in controlling pest populations, making it an ally in agricultural settings.
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