Rice University evolutionary biologist Scott Egan and his research team discovered a new species of tiger beetle. Eunota Houstonianahonors the Houston area where he mostly resides.

The team applied advanced genetic sequencing technology together with traditional measurements of their appearance and geographic range data to redefine species boundaries within the Eunota Circumpicta species complex. This approach, known as integrative taxonomy, allowed them to identify a variety of previously overlooked biological entities.

“It’s surprising that in the city of Houston we still don’t know every insect or plant species we live with in our area,” Egan said. “I am always interested in learning more about the biodiversity of the Gulf Coast.”

Eunota houstoniana was once considered a synonym for the more common Eunota Circumpicta; but the team’s research revealed significant differences, underscoring the need for a more refined species identification process. Eunota Houstoniana show different genetic and physical characteristics. It is slightly smaller in size, softer in metallic color, and has unique behavior and habitat preferences.

New species are gravitating to salty soils, often found near salt domes and oil fields along the Gulf Coast. Its habitat varies from coastal areas to inland areas, demonstrating its adaptability and ecological importance.

Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. “We hope that our integrative approach to species delimitation will become a standard in the field of biology, where unfortunately many organisms do not receive the same level of attention as the charismatic tiger beetles,” said Robert LaRoche. Biology. .D. student at Rice and a member of the Egan research group.

The discovery of Eunota houstoniana draws attention to the urgency of preserving biodiversity. Their habitats are increasingly threatened by urbanization and agricultural or industrial activities, and although Eunota houstoniana was recently discovered, it is likely an endangered species, according to Egan.

“Some of these populations have likely been wiped out due to growth around Houston, while others are hiding right out our back door,” Egan said.

Egan’s Eunota houstoniana research team included Laroche and lead author Dan Durand of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Rowan University; Rice undergraduate Ethan Bull; David Herrmann of Dallas; Will Godwin, Sam Houston State University; and Steve Roman, Florida State University Arthropod Collection.

“That’s the nature of our collaboration on this project,” Egan said. “This would not have been possible without the efforts of everyone at Rice, Sam Houston, Rowan University, and our citizen scientists.”

In a similar project, Egan and LaRoche recently described another new species of the same genus, Eunota luecophasma, or the white ghost bug, in West Texas, further highlighting the diversity and importance of these creatures in our region. By identifying and documenting such species, researchers in Egan’s laboratory are laying an important foundation for conservation efforts.

About 62 species of tiger beetles are known in Texas, but Egan said that’s likely an underestimate of the diversity available. His work at Rice since 2013 has been instrumental in the discovery and identification of previously unknown insect species in the state. Eunota Houstoniana It is the 17th new species that Egan and his colleagues have identified in their 11 years at Rice.