The current status and conservation of coastal tiger beetles (Coleoptera : Cicindelidae)

Abstract

Tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) are carnivorous insects that inhabit bare ground, such as eroded grasslands and river edges. Adults forage for small living animals in the daytime. Larvae live in burrows and ambush their prey. In Japan, six species of coastal tiger beetle occur at seashores, and two or three species co-occur in any one locality. In recent years, the natural coasts have declined drastically due to anthropogenic impact, and so have the numbers of coastal tiger beetles; such coastal species are listed in the red data books edited by the national and prefectural governments. Coastal tiger beetles have receieved attention as indicator insect species on seashores, and have been targeted for conversation by some local governments. This paper reviews the ecology, current habitat status, and conservation measures for coastal tiger beetles. Conservation measures targeting coastal tiger beetles will lead to the conservation of coastal ecosystems and biodiversity.