In this episode of Arthropod, we explore the complex challenges of habitat restoration and species conservation through the lens of the endangered Salt Creek Tiger Beetle. Hosts are joined by special guest Dr. Gary Brewer to discuss the beetle’s unique ecological needs and the collaborative efforts to protect it—ranging from captive rearing and reintroduction projects to public outreach, community art, and the ongoing hurdles of conservation work.
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Photo credit: UNL Department of Entomology |
Guest: Dr. Gary Brewer, Professor of Insect Management,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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Photo credit: UNL Department of Entomology |
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Photo credit: UNL Department of Entomology |
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Photo credit: UNL Department of Entomology |
The City of Lincoln, Nebraska
Saline Wetlands. https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Facilities/Saline-Wetlands.
Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership. https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/parks-amp-rec/saline-wetlands/conservationpartnershipbrochure.pdf.
Henry Doorly Zoo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFDW90z5R5A.
Lower Platte South Natural Resources District.
https://www.lpsnrd.org/endangered-salt-creek-tiger-beetle-release.
https://www.lpsnrd.org/sites/default/files/files/89/2021-7-9_saline_wetlands.pdf.
Nebraska Game and Parks. https://outdoornebraska.gov/learn/nebraska-wildlife/nebraska-animals/insects/salt-creek-tiger-beetle/.
Nebraska Public Media. The Salt Creek tiger beetle:
Lincoln's special bug. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/the-salt-creek-tiger-beetle-lincolns-special-bug/.
Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center.
https://topekazoo.org/conservation_sustainability/salt-creek-tiger-beetle-2/.
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Platte Basin Time Lapse Project. https://plattebasintimelapse.com/greats-of-the-plains-frank-shoemaker/.
Spomer SM, Brust ML, Backlund DC, et al. 2008. Tiger Beetles
of South Dakota & Nebraska. Department of Entomology, University of
Nebraska. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/entomologyfacpub/1064.
Spomer SM, Brewer GJ, Fritz MI, et al. 2015. Determining
Optimum Soil Type and Salinity for Rearing the Federally Endangered Salt Creek
Tiger Beetle, Cicindela (Ellipsoptera) nevadica lincolniana Casey (Coleoptera:
Carabidae: Cicindelinae). kent. 88(4):444–449. https://doi.org/10.2317/0022-8567-88.4.444
Spomer SM, Dunn SM, Fritz MI. 2021. A 30-year history of
salt creek tiger beetle, Ellipsoptera nevadica lincolniana (Casey,
1916) (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae), visual
population estimates. Coleopt. Bull. 75(3):512–515. https://doi.org/10.1649/0010-065X-75.3.512.
US Fish & Wildlife Service
https://www.fws.gov/species/salt-creek-tiger-beetle-cicindela-nevadica-lincolniana
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/342
Xerces Society. Salt Creek Tiger Beetle. https://xerces.org/endangered-species/species-profiles/at-risk-beetles/salt-creek-tiger-beetle.