Galatea Steed / Galatea Bug / Galatea Tiger Beetle

Galatea Tiger Beetle

Status: Category I (EN B1ab(iv)+2ab(iii,iv)). A narrowly endemic species with a fragmented distribution and decreasing population due to habitat destruction. The taxon has scientific significance in the aspects of zoogeography [31] and conservation of genetic diversity. An entomophage, it has aesthetic value; it is the only representative of the genus in the republic. Listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan (category VUr D2) [23].

Brief description of the adult appearance. A beetle characteristic of tiger beetles, measuring 17-20 mm in length. Body coloration ranges from violet-blue to blue-green, with a noticeable metallic sheen. The head is large with prominent eyes, and is grooved. The labrum is large and white. Antennae are thread-like, thin, and nearly reach the middle of the elytra in length. The pronotum is narrowed towards the back, almost heart-shaped. The elytra are bordered by a white stripe from the shoulder to the tip, with 3-4 widely rounded notches along the outer edge. The underside of the body and legs are covered with white hairs. The upper side of the body is bare, except for the front corners of the pronotum, which are covered with sparse appressed hairs. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed.

General and country distribution. Endemic to the foothills of the Kuramin, Chatkal, and Alai mountain ranges, framing the western half of the Fergana Valley (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan) [31]. In Kyrgyzstan, recent single finds have been noted in the interfluve of the Gavasai and Sumsar rivers [51, 40].

Habitat. Dry open biotopes on clay soils in the low mountains, with saline areas, at altitudes from 400 (in Kyrgyzstan - from 800) to 1100 m above sea level [51, 40].

Population. Found in sporadic colonies, small in number and area occupied. The number of colonies is continuously decreasing, and some have already disappeared (in the southern part of the Fergana Valley - in the 1940s [23]).

Life cycle (lifestyle). Insufficiently studied. One generation per year [23]. Beetle flights are noted in early summer; apparently, the phenology of the species is dependent on the climatic features of the year [51]. Larvae are unknown, imagos are predators, feeding on small insects.

Limiting factors. Intensive [11] agricultural development (plowing, reclamation) of lands and pesticide treatment. As an additional factor destabilizing the species' population in colonies, collection by amateurs may be considered. In biotopically similar habitats, Galatea Tiger Beetle apparently cannot withstand competition with other species of tiger beetles. Natural enemies and diseases are not studied.

Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not conducted.

Existing conservation measures. Currently not protected in Kyrgyzstan.

Recommended conservation measures. In areas where colonies have been found, organize micro-reserves of sufficient area (10-20 ha), where land use should be completely prohibited. Strictly license collection by amateurs. It is necessary to study the ecology of larvae and examine competitive relationships with other species of predatory beetles in biotopically similar habitats.

Galatea kulugu

Galatea Tiger Beetle
Cephalota galatea (Thieme, 1881)
Status: Endangered (EN B1ab(iv)+2ab(iii,iv) - Category I), very locally distributed Fergana endemic species. It is the only representative of the genus in Kyrgyzstan, has aesthetic value and scientific zoogeographical importance and for preservation of regional genetic fund. Imagoes flying in the beginning of summer in clayey low-montane biotopes with salted plots, at 800-1,100 m above sea level, they are active predators, larvae are unknown. Populations are found in the area between Sumsar and Gavasai rivers (southern slope of Chatkal Mountain Range), and also the species is known from several sites in adjacent territories of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Galatea Tiger Beetle was not rare in the beginning of the XXth century but at present the number is small everywhere and strongly decreasing. Limiting factors: agricultural development of virgin lands, melioration, possibly collection by amateurs. Urgent creation of micro-reservations and study of the larval life mode and competitors are necessary for conservation of the species.