| dc.description.abstract | The systematics of Cicindela sexguttata Fabricius and
Cicindela patruela Dejean was studied. Various aspects of
their holomorphology were considered, including: multivariate
analysis of external characters, morphology of the genitalia,
distribution, habitat, and life history. Colour of the exoskeleton
is not a stable character in this group and is not used in
taxonomic decisions. The species C. denikei Brown is a sibling
species of C. sexguttata, not a subspecies as previously described.
The egg and third instar larva of C. denikei are described for the
first time. The larval burrow of C. denikei opens directly beneath
rocks and stones, a habit unique in Cicindela. The species
C. sexguttata occurs throughout Eastern North America and consists of several identifiable subpopulations which are characterized by
ecophenotypic characters only, and are not recognized taxonomically.
The species C. patruela consists of two subspecies, C. p. patruela
and C. p. consentanea Dejean. The distributions, habitats, and
life histories of C. sexguttata, C. denikei, C. p. patruela, and
C. p. consentanea are described. The distribution of C. sexguttata
is correlated with warm moist loamy soils. Populations of C. denikei
are found on sandy silty till deposited by Lake Agassiz. Some of the
variability in the populations of C. sexguttata Is accounted for by
differences in dominant soil type. Climate and geographic features also account for some variabnity. The different number of mature
eggs in the abdomens of adult females of C. sexguttata and C. denikei
indicate that the fecundity of the two species differs. Adults of
C. denikei are ambush predators that change ambush site frequently.
Encounters with prey modify the behaviour of the beetles such that
they remain in the vicintity of the encounter. The beetles have
a defended territory that moves with them as they forage. | |
