Rediscovery of Cicindela scabrosa floridana Cartwright (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) and its elevation to species level

Authors

David Brzoska, Naples, FLFollow
C. Barry Knisley, Randolph-Macon CollegeFollow
Jeffrey Slotten, Gainesville, FLFollow

Date of this Version

4-15-2011

Comments

Insecta Mundi 0162: 1-7
Published in 2011 by Center for Systematic Entomology, Inc.
P. O. Box 141874, Gainesville, FL 32614-1874 U. S. A.
http://www.centerforsystematicentomology.org/

Abstract

First discovered in 1934 and described as a variety of Cicindela abdominalis Fabricius (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae), the form floridana, to our knowledge, has not been recollected until we discovered it in 2007, south of the presumed type locality. From our examination of the type specimen, eight paratypes and 40 specimens from the new locality and additional study, we reinterpreted its status to be a full species. This interpretation is based on distinctive and consistent differences from the closely related Cicindelidia scabrosa (Schaupp). These differences include morphology (maculation, color and elytral microsculpture), distribution, habitat, and seasonality. We present here a more detailed description of this species within the genus Cicindelidia Rivalier, following Rivalier and Wiesner becoming Cicindelidia floridana (Cartwright) new combination.