Habitats, food resources, and natural enemies of a community of larval Cicindela in southeastern Arizona (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae)

Abstract

This study examines food resources, natural enemies, and natural history of three cohorts of larvae of eight Cicindela species from seven habitats in southeastern Arizona. Larvae of most species occurred with adults in the same habitats. Pond and ditch edge habitats had low soil desiccation, no parasitism, and significantly more food than other habitats. Playa species were heavily parasitized (24.1–44.2%) by a bombyliid fly (Anthrax). Sand ridge, saltbush flat, and grassland species experienced little food, moderate to heavy parasitism by a tiphiid wasp, Pterombrus rufiventris, and occasional soil desiccation. Pond and ditch edges had much higher larval densities than other habitats. However, relative to adults, few species were present. Survivorship (first instar to adult) was low for all species [Formula: see text]. Reduced activity during midday was correlated with high burrow surface temperatures. Seasonal activity varied from 8 to nearly 12 months. Life cycles ranged from 1 to 4 years with 2 years most common. Food is an apparent limiting resource for most species. Larval habitat, life cycle, and size all may influence rates of parasitism.