Author Archives: Ted C. MacRae

About Ted C. MacRae

Ted C. MacRae is a research entomologist by vocation and beetle taxonomist by avocation. Areas of expertise in the latter include worldwide jewel beetles (Buprestidae) and North American longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae). More recent work has focused on North American tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) and their distribution, ecology, and conservation.

Ozark Landscapes – White River in northern Arkansas

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

One of my favorite insect collecting sites is a system of sandstone glades in the White River Hills of north-central Arkansas. Overlooking the White River as it courses past the quaint little town of Calico Rock, the glades atop these … Continue reading →

Posted in [No taxon] | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Crossidius coralinus fulgidus

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

Tiger beetles may have been the primary focus of last week’s 9-day, 10-state, 4,700-mile collecting trip; however, they were not the only beetles I was hoping to see. Longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae) of the genus Crossidius are unusual in the family … Continue reading →

Posted in Cerambycidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Cicindela scutellaris yampae – Yampa Festive Tiger Beetle

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

In A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of the United States and Canada (Pearson et al. 2006), Cicindela scutellaris yampae (Yampa Festive Tiger Beetle) is one of 223 species and subspecies listed in the book’s index to species and subspecies. … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicindelidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Cicindela formosa gibsoni… or not!

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

Last Friday I began the 2011 Annual Fall Tiger Beetle Trip™. This year’s edition was actually a last-minute change—my original plans to collect wood for rearing wood-boring beetles in south Texas thwarted by that state’s long and continuing drought (along … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicindelidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

ID Challenge #12

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

This should be a relatively easy ID Challenge compared to previous editions—2 points each for the correct order, family, genus, species, and subspecies.  Additional points will be awarded on a discretionary basis for relevant natural history comments.  Standard challenge rules apply, including moderated comments … Continue reading →

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My Canon 8X Macro Lens

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

For the past few months I have started routinely using extension tubes with my 100mm macro lens for photographing tiger beetles. I do this primarily because for most tiger beetles and other insects in the smallish to medium-sized range I … Continue reading →

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A cicindelophilic wish list

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

Cicindelia obsoleta vulturina disjuncts bolting across lichen-covered sandstone balds. Cicindela scutellaris yampae—red, white and blue in all its glory! Big, bold, hugely white Cicindela formosa gibsoni bouncing across the sand. Cicindela arenicola dancing across the St. Anthony dunes. Hugely-mandibled male … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicindelidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Not all Florida tiger beetles are rare

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

I fear my recent series of posts from Florida might leave readers with the impression that all of that state’s tiger beetle species are rare endemics occurring in tiny remnants of relictual habitats and encountered only by the most intrepid collectors enduring the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicindelidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments