Amblycheila baroni success

[bugman7]

Would anyone like to share their success in collecting the Arizona cicindelid, Amblycheila baroni? When was the earliest you found them and by what methods (trapping)? Many thanks

Mike Seth

[crowmagnon]

I have only collected Amblycheila cylindriformis, but they might be collected using a similar method.
late May seemed very good for them. My collecting technique is to find a sandy/planty area near a road, and just look for them on the ground late at night.

That info might be completely wrong for baroni, but I hope it helps!

George

[bugman52]

Jun 15, 2012 5:50:44 GMT -8 bugman7 said:

Would anyone like to share their success in collecting the Arizona cicindelid, Amblycheila baroni? When was the earliest you found them and by what methods (trapping)? Many thanks

Mike Seth

From what I can gather they are out during the late monsoon season (late July-Sept). They are supposed to be long-lived, so a late season trip might be best. People collect them in pitfall traps and running around at night. I've even heard they will come to a collecting sheet to take insects (I was never that lucky). The best I can tell is that they are found near ephermal streams and washes at the 3500-5500' elevation. They are supposed to "dig in" under rocks and large boulders.

[58chevy]

Another method is to drive a car slowly along a dirt road at night with the headlights on. One person drives, another walks in front of the car looking for the Amblycheila. They are often seen running along the side of the road.

[w1]

Camp in the type habitat. Walk a lot with your headlamp on, new batteries help. Make sure you don't get too tired and lost. Boy did I almost have along night while hunting cylindriformis recently. Fortunately found camp around 3 am. Took 20# very exciting.

[evra]

I saw several Amblychelia at gas station lights about 5 days ago as I was driving through C. AZ. Not sure of the species and I didn't collect them, which was a big mistake in retrospect.

[bugman52]

Jul 5, 2013 14:51:00 GMT -8 evra said:

I saw several Amblychelia at gas station lights about 5 days ago as I was driving through C. AZ. Not sure of the species and I didn't collect them, which was a big mistake in retrospect.

You should see the tears running down my cheeks! LOL I wish I could tell the boss I'm outta here, and head off on a beetle hunt! Aw but caterpillar butts need to be looked at and the owners identified.

[w1]

You didn't take them? Oh man sounds like a good spot. Great looking beetles. Please send me the data! Lol

[bugman52]

Jul 5, 2013 14:51:00 GMT -8 evra said:

I saw several Amblychelia at gas station lights about 5 days ago as I was driving through C. AZ. Not sure of the species and I didn't collect them, which was a big mistake in retrospect.

They were probably Amblycheila picolominii if you saw them in central Arizona. I'm thinking of heading down towards Prescott once they get some monsoonal rain. Its still pretty dry. Where did you see yours? You have to go down to the mountains in the southeastern portion of the state to find A. baroni.

[bugman52]

I'm making the trip to central AZ tomorrow to hunt the elusive Amblycheila picolominii. Wish me luck! There's been plenty of nice monsoonal moisture through the area.

[w1]

In southern AZ. Hoping for a few Amblycheila. Good luck hunting.

[bugman52]

I came up empty. I did get some nice cerambycids, but no luck with Amblycheila. I still have more to learn.