New tiger beetle species is detected in Houston area by researchers
A research team that included members from Rice University discovered a new tiger beetle species named after the area where some were living — the Houston area.
Associate professor of the Biosciences Department and evolutionary biologist Scott Egan said the team determined the new species, identified as Eunota houstoniana, from a group of tiger beetles through genetic, ecological, behavioral and morphological research. Most tiger beetles have metallic and iridescent black wing covers and white patterns on the wings, he said.
“The combination of how they looked, and their behavior and genetics told (the team) that this was a distinct lineage (that) had been hiding in plain sight and historically called something else,” Egan said.
The Eunota houstoniana was once considered synonymous with the more common Eunota circumpicta beetle, but the team’s research revealed significant differences, emphasizing the need for a refined process of species delineation, according to a news release
The team worked to study a group of tiger beetles with similarities to find differences among the species. Egan said that each researcher’s expertise helped to separate the Eunota houstoniana from the other tiger beetle species. For example, Egan focused on the DNA, lead author of the research Dan Duran with the Department of Environmental Science focused on biology and taxonomy and Steve Roman with Florida State University focused on the insects’ behavior.
Some research findings include the beetle flying almost 6 to 10 feet in front of people or predators compared to the others that fly farther away. The new species are normally within saline soils near salt domes and oil extraction sites along the Gulf Coast, Egan said. Their genetics are also unique to the rest of the tiger beetles.
“We also discovered them out on the Katy Prairie Preserve and that was really cool because the (prairie) has been protecting land out there during rapid growth here in Houston,” he said. “Little did they know they had been protecting this new species that none even knew existed before, this whole time.”
Although the Eunota houstoniana were found in some Houston areas, their habitats were jeopardized by urbanization and agricultural or industrial activities, according to the news release. Egan said the Eunota houstonianas are likely a threatened species.
“Because of all the growth around Houston, some of these populations have likely gone extinct while others have been hiding right out our back door,” Egan said in a statement.
Robert Laroche, who is studying ecology and evolutionary biology at Rice University, also worked with Egan on a related project with tiger beetles that led to unearthing another new species from the same genus — a white ghost tiger beetle from West Texas. The Eunota luecophasma became another highlight for Rice University in showcasing the diversity of the insects in the region.
“Hopefully, our integrative approach to species delimitation becomes the standard for the field of biology, where, unfortunately, many organisms have not had the same level of attention that the charismatic tiger beetles have had,” Laroche said.
The Eunota houstoniana became the 17th new species found by the research team.
Egan emphasized the collaborative effort between the authors of the research, even noting Duran, who he describes as a “world specialist in tiger beetles.”
“We’re so lucky to work with him and his knowledge of the biology of tiger beetles that allowed us to ask these really fun questions,” he said.