Montana Field Guide

The following is taken from Wallis (1961), Kippenhan (1994), and Pearson et al (2015). Body length is 10-14 mm. Color above is shiny copper-red (common in the west) to greenish-red (common in the east). Maculations complete, with wide white line along margins of the elytra that connects all three maculations (humeral, middle, apical). The front (humeral) maculation is shaped like the letter “G”, most individuals have rear end of middle maculation globular or only slightly enlarged. The undersides are metallic copper-greeen with copper on lateral surface of thorax. Labrum is short with a single tooth. Elytra deeply punctate (pitted). First antennal segment with only two long sensory setae, no small setae.

Tiger beetle life cycles fit two general categories based on adult activity periods. “Spring-fall” beetles emerge as adults in late summer and fall, then overwinter in burrows before emerging again in spring when mature and ready to mate and lay eggs. The life cycle may take 1-4 years. “Summer” beetles emerge as adults in early summer, then mate and lay eggs before dying. The life cycle may take 1-2 years, possibly longer depending on latitude and elevation (Kippenhan 1994, Knisley and Schultz 1997, and Leonard and Bell 1999). Adult Cicindela [Ellipsoptera] cuprascens, a summer species, is active May to October but mostly July (Carter 1989, Kippenhan 1994, Larochelle and Larivière 2001, and Pearson et al. 2015). No information for Montana.

The following comes largely from Kippenhan (1994), and Pearson et al. (2015). Most similar in the west and midwest to the Nevada Tiger Beetle (C. [Ellipsoptera] nevadica) and the Sandy Stream Tiger Beetle (C. [Ellipsoptera] macra). The latter species does not occur in Montana, is often greener and duller than the Coppery Tiger Beetle, and with the rear of the middle maculation recurved or triangular, not globular. The Nevada Tiger Beetle lacks the upper end of the humeral (shoulder) maculation, making it “J”-shaped, not “G”-shaped as with the Coppery Tiger Beetle. In hand under magnification, the Nevada Tiger Beetle has many small setae on the first antennal segment, as well as one or a few long sensory setae. The Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle (C. hirticollis), which can be found with this species, has tufts of long white setae (hairs) on the sides of the thorax.

This species is non-migratory but capable of dispersal. When wings are fully developed (macropterous) it is a fast runner, often attracted to artificial lights after dark (Larochelle and Larivière 2001).

Adult and larval tiger beetle habitat is essentially identical. The larvae live in soil burrows (Knisley and Schultz 1997). Across the range Cicindela [Ellipsoptera] cuprascens is typically found near water, prefers open or sparsely-vegetated sandy soils along river banks, stream banks, river bars, flats near water, occasionally mud or loam, and sometimes up to 28 m from water on sandy paths in sparse vegetation; rarely (Shelford 1907, Vaurie 1950, Wallis 1961, Carter 1989, Kippenhan 1994, Larochelle and Larivière 2001, and Pearson et al. 2015). In Montana, habitat is poorly described but presumably similar to elsewhere in the species range.

Larval and adult tiger beetles are predaceous. In general, both feed considerably on ants (Wallis 1961, Knisley and Schultz 1997). The diet of adult Cicindela [Ellipsoptera] cuprascens in the field includes beetles (carabids, heterocerids) and dipteran larvae. Adults and larvae in captivity feed on lean meat (Larochelle and Larivière 2001).

Larval tiger beetles live in burrows and molt through three instars to pupation, which also occurs in the larval burrow. Adults make shallow burrows in soil for overnight protection, and deeper burrows for overwintering. Adults are sensitive to heat and light and are most active during sunny conditions. Excessive heat during midday on sunny days drives adults to seek shelter among vegetation or in burrows (Wallis 1961, Knisley and Schultz 1997). Cicindela [Ellipsoptera] cuprascens has a narrow range of ecological tolerance (stenotopic). Larvae migrate to new burrows in moister, cooler locations when soil gets too dry (Larochelle and Larivière 2001). Adults are diurnal and nocturnal, sometimes gregarious, attracted to artificial lights, and not wary (Vaurie 1950, Kippenhan 1994, Larochelle and Larivière 2001, and Pearson et al. 2015). Predators are not described but probably include robber flies (Asilidae). Other associated tiger beetle species include C. [Parvindela] cursitans, C. hirticolis, C. [Ellipsotera] macra, C. [Ellipsoptera] nevadica, and C. repanda (Groves and Brzoska 1991, Kippenhan 1994, Larochelle and Larivière 2001).

The life cycle of Cicindela [Ellipsoptera] cuprascens is 2 years (Larochelle and Larivière 2001, Pearson et al. 2015). Mating is from June to July with oviposition in July. Females dig many oviposition holes in sand, then deposit a few eggs in each. Larval burrows with ragged edges or crater-like entrances. The first instar lasts about a month, with second instars to October. Both instars have greenish head and prothorax. The prothorax width is about 1.1 mm and 1.9 mm, respectively (Shelford 1908). Overwintering is in the second and third instar larval stages. This species pupates the following May. Fresh adults (tenerals) emerge in May and June (Larochelle and Larivière 2001). No information for Montana.

Not considered rare or in need of special conservation management (Knisley et al. 2014). Rivers, lakeshore, and other open riparian habitats near water can be retained through disturbance, such as periodic flooding and the deposition of sand. C. [Ellipsoptera] cuprascens benefits from events that maintain or create favored open riparian habitats near rivers and streams, and could be negatively impacted by water diversion, drainage, and flood control. Exotic grasses, such as cheatgrass, could become a problem at local scales when they invade moist open habitats. Larval burrows in shoreline habitat could be seriously impacted by human activities, such as shoreline alteration, and trampling by livestock, but grazing at appropriate times and stocking levels could also be beneficial by keeping vegetation cover more open (Carter 1989, Graves and Brzoska 1991, Knisley 2011).