Effects of habitat change from ecological succession and human impact on tiger beetles

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

C. Barry Knisley; Hill, James M.

Source:

Virginia Journal of Science, Virginia Academy of Science, Volume 43, Issue 1B, p.134-142 (1992)

Call Number:

A92KNI01IDUS

URL:

http://www.vacadsci.org/vjsArchives/V43/43-1B/43-133.pdf

Keywords:

Cicendela, Cicendela sexguttata, Cicindela abdominalis, Cicindela dorsalis, Cicindela repanda, Cicindela tranquebarica, tiger beetle

Abstract:

This paper reports on three case histories of how changes in habitat have affected distribution and abundance of several species of tiger beetles in Virginia. Between 1980 and 1990, at a borrow pit site, the numbers of Cicindela tranquebarica decreased dramatically, C. sexguttata increased then decreased slightly, and C. repanda disappeared. These changes were associated with plant succession, specifically a rapid increase in density and size of loblolly pines throughout the site. The apparent extirpation of Cicindela abdominalis at a southeastern Virginia pine barrens habitat where it occurred in 1936 is believed to be the result of increased vegetation encroachment which eliminated open areas needed by this species. The distribution and abundance of Cicindela dorsalis media on barrier island beaches was correlated negatively with the amount of human impact. This species was abundant and widespread on Fisherman, Hog, and Cobb islands, but on Assateague Island was restricted to areas where vehicle and pedestrian use are low. The results of this study confirm the habitat-specific nature of tiger beetles and their need for open habitats with little human disturbance. Some species may quickly decline or disappear when their habitats change either naturally or from human activity.