BC Conservation Data Centre: Conservation Status Report
Cicindela parowana
Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle
| Scientific Name: | Cicindela parowana |
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| English Name: | Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle |
| Provincial Status Summary | |
| Status: | S2 |
| Date Status Assigned: | April 18, 2024 |
| Date Last Reviewed: | April 18, 2024 |
| Reasons: | There are very few records of this species, which occurs in arid habitats from Vernon to Osoyoos. |
| Range | |
| Range Extent: | D = 1,000-5,000 square km |
| Range Extent Comments: | Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle occurs from B.C. to southern Oregon. In B.C., the range extends from Vernon south to Oliver (COSEWIC 2009). |
| Area of Occupancy (km2): | D = 6-25 |
| Occurrences & Population | |
| Number of Occurrences: | B = 6 - 20 |
| Comments: | At least eight occurrences are known in southern BC from Vernon to Osoyoos (COSEWIC 2009; O. Dyer, pers. comm. 2019; INaturalist ND; accessed Nov. 22, 2023). |
| Number of Occurrences with Good Viability / Ecological Integrity: | Rank Factor not assessed |
| Number of Occurrences Appropriately Protected & Managed: | Rank Factor not assessed |
| Population Size: | U = Unknown |
| Comments: | Calculation of population size and trends is not possible at this time given the decrease in the number of specimens collected and the sparse data available (COSEWIC 2009). |
| Threats (to population, occurrences, or area affected) | |
| Degree of Threat: | U = Unknown |
| Comments: | A threats assessment occurred in 2013; however, there was not enough information or data to be able to assign a score (B.C. Ministry of Environment 2014e). COSEWIC (2009) suggests that loss of habitat to urbanization and conversion to agricultural lands is a primary threat. Habitat can also be subject to trampling, soil disturbances and located on fragmented landscapes, threatening the survival of adults and larvae (COSEWIC 2009). Anthropogenic influences, such as the use of herbicides and insecticides may pose a threat (COSEWIC 2009). |
| Trend (in population, range, area occupied, and/or condition of occurrences) | |
| Short-Term Trend: | U = Unknown |
| Comments: | "It appears that the Canadian population has substantially declined based on lack of recent observations despite substantial search effort. Loss of habitat is probably the main cause of decline." (COSEWIC 2009) |
| Long-Term Trend: | U = Unknown |
| Other Factors | |
| Intrinsic Vulnerability: | B=Moderately vulnerable |
| Comments: | "Tiger beetles may remain as larvae for up to two years, and may live as adults for three to four months (semivoltine) (Pearson and Vogler 2001). Frequently, species in more northern latitudes require two years to complete their lifecycle (Pearson and Vogler 2001)." (COSEWIC 2009) |
| Environmental Specificity: | BC=Narrow to moderate. |
| Comments: | Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle prefers slightly dry, chalky alkaline soils in sparsely vegetated areas. These areas may be located near temporary streams or wetlands, but not saturated, saline lake shores which are inhabited by other tiger beetle species (eg. Cicindela oregona). Sensitive to soil disturbances, from sources such as beach groomers and soil compaction from vehicles (COSEWIC 2009). |
| Other Rank Considerations: | |
| Information Gaps | |
| Research Needs: | |
| Inventory Needs: | |
| Stewardship | |
| Protection: | |
| Management: | |
| Version | |
| Author: | L. Gelling (2024); M. York (2015) |
| Date: | April 18, 2024 |
| References | |
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COSEWIC. 2009g. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Wallis? Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle Cicindela parowana wallisi in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vi + 28 pp.
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Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2017j. Recovery Strategy for the Wallis? Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle (Cicindela parowana wallisi) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa. 2 parts, 7 pp. + 22 pp
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Lavallee, Suzie. 2007. Cicindela parowana wallisi Calder, Interim Report on Archival Information. 8 pp.
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Please visit the website Conservation Status Ranks for information on how the CDC determines conservation status ranks. For global conservation status reports and ranks, please visit the NatureServe website http://www.natureserve.org/.
Suggested Citation:
B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2024. Conservation Status Report: Cicindela parowana. B.C. Minist. of Environment. Available: https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/ (accessed Jun 9, 2026).