Captive propagation and observations of the endangered species Cicindela (Abroscelis) anchoralis (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cicindelinae) in South Korea

Abstract

Abstract Establishing a captive propagation method is a fundamental approach that may be critical for conserving endangered species whose populations are rapidly decreasing due to habitat destruction and climate change. We explored the behavioural and physiological characteristics of the endangered beach tiger beetle, Cicindela (Abroscelis) anchoralis, in South Korea and established captive propagation from adult to the 2nd instar larvae in the laboratory to implement reinforcement and reintroduction. Because of the burrowing behaviour of the larva, which inhabits beaches that are periodically flooded, a longer development period was required compared to other tiger beetle larvae. Under identical feeding conditions, adults had a lifespan averaging 100 days, with no difference between the sexes. In addition, the average number of eggs laid per adult female during their lifespan was 70 eggs under optimum feeding conditions. Moreover, the individual larvae‐rearing and overwintering methods showed average mortality rates of 8% and 16%, respectively, indicating that securing a large population for reintroduction is possible. Our results revealed that captive breeding methods for C. anchoralis can provide a healthy rearing method from eggs to larvae, reflecting the observed behavioural and physiological traits. We recommend that the captive propagation method of tiger beetles be adjusted to consider species' traits that vary depending on their habitat characteristics.