The larvae of the tiger beetle, Cicindela hirticollis Say, inhabit sandy shoreline areas that flood periodically. This species has declined over much of its range and at least one subspecies is near extinction, possibly as a result of human alteration of waterways. In addition to physiological tolerance for anoxia, the larvae have physical and behavioral adaptations to avoid drowning. We hypothesized that C. hirticollis larvae would exhibit behavioral responses to soil moisture change and flooding because, unlike most other tiger beetles, they frequently relocate their burrows. Our laboratory studies demonstrated that larvae select surface soil moisture levels of 7–50% saturation in which to dig new burrows. Within 96 h of immersion, most larvae abandon burrows and larvae do not form new burrows in darkness. Larvae may relocate when flooded, suggesting a previously undocumented mechanism for dispersal; however, dams often eliminate suitable habitat areas downstream, suggesting that this behavior may be detrimental in riverine populations. Because larvae move during daylight hours, they also are likely to suffer mortality from trampling due to human recreational activity.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We thank Dawn Adams for assistance in arranging for a research permit for the work at Point Reyes National Seashore related to this study. We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Chris Nagano of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento Field Office, for his interest, support and facilitation of financial support for this work (USFWS contracts 10181-3-M374 and 10181-333-M375). The University of Nebraska at Kearney Department of Biology and University of Nebraska Research Services Council also provided support for this work. This is Department Contribution # 1245 and Journal # 15093 of the University of Nebraska.
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Brust, M.L., Hoback, W.W., Skinner, K.F. et al. Movement of Cicindela hirticollis Say Larvae in Response to Moisture and Flooding. J Insect Behav 19, 251–263 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-006-9021-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-006-9021-8