Tigers in the Sandbox

One of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy's most recent conservation projects is the 540-acre Erie Bluffs track along the shore of Lake Erie in western Erie County. This property, which will soon become Pennsylvania's 117th State Park, includes several rather unique habitats, such as seepage swamps harboring the PA Endangered pumpkin ash tree (Fraxinus profunda) and 30-meter-high steep lakeside bluffs where hundreds of bank swallows nest in burrows they dig in sand and clay.

Also included on the property is a very rare fossil sand dune. This low hill of nearly pure sand was deposited some 20,000 years ago when Lake Erie's water level was much higher during post glacial times. In today's photograph you can see both exposed sand and some of the sparse vegetation growing on the dune.

A certain group of insects known as tiger beetles (most in the genus Cicindela ) favor open habitats and loose soil, and are found living on the Erie Bluffs fossil dune. Pennsylvania is home to 19 different species of tiger beetles, although some are so rare as to be considered endangered, or have not been seen for some time in the state. To date, two species are known from the new Erie Bluffs State Park; however, an inventory has not been conducted. These beetles are so popular among naturalists that there is even a separate scientific journal dedicated to their study titled Cicindela.

Tiger beetles are so named due to their predatory behavior and sharply-toothed jaws. These large-eyed, centimeter-long, day-time hunters are mostly swift flyers and sprinters, and can be found frequenting open sunny spots. As adults, many species are colorful and sport iridescent shades of green, blue and red, along with patterns of dots and squiggles on their backs. The wingless, grub-like young are also predacious, but live in deep burrows they dig in soft soils, which unfortunately makes them vulnerable to off-road vehicles and excessive foot traffic. This is just one of countless reasons that protection of the Erie Bluffs property is important.

Tiger beetles are found in many places around Pennsylvania. Keep your eyes open during your next outdoors excursion for these fast and colorful beetles which are often seen just ahead on hiking trails.

Photo of sand due by Jack Rowley, WPC communications specialist. Tiger beetle photo by Blake Newton, University of Kentucky Department of Entomology.

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