The Biology and Ecology of the Tiger Beetles(Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) of Nebraska

Abstract

Nebraska has a large and diverse Cicindelidae fauna. This paper lists three genera and 32 species and subspecies as occurring in the State. The large number of species can be attributed to the number of physiographic regions (six) found in the State. Distinct topographic, floristic, and climatic features found in the regions have created a large number of favorable habitats for tiger beetles. This paper presents information on the biology and ecology of the species of tiger beetles found in Nebraska as related to the physiographic regions in the State. Morphological descriptions, line drawings, and a key are presented to aid in species identification. The seasonal and spatial distributions of the tiger beetles are outlined and presented in conjuction with county distribution maps, habitat requirements, and species associations.