General Information

Habitat Requirements

The CPSD tiger beetle is known to occur only in dunes located approximately 7 miles west of Kanab, Kane County, in south central Utah. The Coral Pink Sand Dunes (CPSD) geologic feature covers approximately 3500 acres. Species range comprises approximately 20% of the dune field in a patchy distribution.

Food Habits

The primary food of adults is invertebrates including flies and other dune arthropods. Long, sickle shaped mandibles are used capture and process both fresh and scavenged prey. Adults are often observed scavenging on dead invertebrates blown out from the swales.

Reproductive Strategy

Adults emerge or larval stages in March and become active along with newly eclosed adults. Adult populations reach peak abundance by mid-April to early May, decline through June and mostly disappear by July. Mating and egg laying occurs during this period. First instar larvae begin to appear in late spring after hatching form eggs laid by the adults. Development progresses quickly through the first stage, usually reached by late May to June. During mid-summer most of the larvae reach the second instar stage. Larvae continue as second or third instars into fall, and then hibernate. They continue development for the next year and generally become new adults by the end of the second summer or third spring, usually exhibiting a two year life cycle. Lack of proper conditions can lead to delays in development and a three year life cycle.