Cylindera cursitans: Distribution and seasonal occurrence in southeast Missouri

Cylindera (s. str.) cursitans (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cicindelitae) is a small, flightless tiger beetle that has heretofore been known from Missouri by only a single specimen collected "nr. Portageville" in southeast Missouri. Beginning in 2007, pitfall traps and direct observations were employed at multiple sites in a 3-season study to more fully characterize its distribution and seasonal occurrence in the area. Dates of occurrence ranged from 24 May to 13 July, with adults most active during late morning and early afternoon. The results of this study suggest that C. cursitans is well established in suitable bottomland forest habitats along the Mississippi River in southeast Missouri, and that no special conservation measures are required to secure its presence at this time. However, additional surveys are warranted to determine the full extent of the species distribution within Missouri, especially further north along the Mississippi River and along the Missouri River.