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Abstract
The tiger beetle Chaetodera regalis (Dejean) (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) is widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. We studied activity patterns, ecological interactions, and behaviour of this species along four major rivers in Kruger National Park, South Africa. During the dry season, small numbers of adult beetles are found on sand bars along perennial rivers. In the rainy season, adults are found in large numbers on a broad spectrum of substrates (including clays, coarse and fine sands and gravels, and black organic soils) and geomorphological features (sand flats, mud flats, sand bars, beaches, riverbanks, and dry and wet sandy streambeds) in riverine areas. Predatory, defensive, thermoregulatory, and reproductive behaviours are described. This species may prove to be a useful indicator of the health of African riverine systems: adults are abundant in high-quality riverine areas; adults and larvae may be adversely affected by human activities; and adults are easily detected, even by novice surveyors.
Acknowledgements
We thank Dr F. Venter for his formal approval and support for our studies of tiger beetles in Kruger National Park. The following museum curators graciously allowed us to examine specimens in their care: L. Herman (AMNH); R. Davidson (CMNH); L. Zerche (DEI); G. Zambatis (KNPC); B. Grobbelaar and R. Stals (NCI); T. Erwin (NMNH); and J. Harrison and R. Mueller (TMSA). Important field support for this study was provided by Game Guards V. Ndlovu and J. Baloyi of Kruger National Park, and by field volunteers A. S. Mawdsley and R. D. Mawdsley of Cleveland State University; we especially thank A. S. Mawdsley for her assistance with the photography for this project.