Alien and native tree species having extrafloral nectaries as favorite hunting area for arboreal endemic Philippine tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) in human‐disturbed habitat in Lanao del Sur Province, Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

To document a relation between abundance of arboreal, predatory tiger beetles, their ant prey, and extrafloral nectaries attracting the ants, we gathered data from more than 10 species of native and introduced trees and large, tree‐like perennial plants in Lanao del Sur Province, Mindanao, Philippines. All specimens of tiger beetles (two Tricondyla and two Neocollyris species, all endemic to the country) were noted on five tree species characterized by presence of extrafloral nectaries, including three alien/invasive and two native ones. Invasive Spathodea campanulata and native Hibiscus tiliaceus were the most inhabited ones (respectively, 56% and 19% of beetles). Presence of tiger beetles on these trees most probably depends on high abundance of ants, which are typical prey for arboreal Cicindelidae, while occurrence of ants can result from presence of extrafloral nectaries on different parts of the plants. This suggests a new mutualistic insect–plant interaction between native and invasive species.

Tiger beetles (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae) of Northern Mindanao region (Philippines): checklist, distributional maps, and habitats

“…General distribution. Species endemic to the Philippines where it was noted from Balabac, Mindanao, and Palawan; in Mindanao it was recorded only from Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Marohomsalic et al 2021), this is the first record from Northern Mindanao region. Material examined.…”

“…General distribution. Species endemic to the Philippines, where it was recorded from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; in Mindanao recorded only in Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao regions (Cabras et al 2016a, b;Marohomsalic et al 2021).…”

“…Forest, arboreal species found on vertical and fallen tree trunks. Marohomsalic et al (2021) recorded native and invasive tree species having extrafloral nectaries as favorite hunting areas for this species in the human-disturbed habitats.…”

“…Neocollyris (Neocollyris) albitarsis (Erichson, 1834) Figure 6F General distribution. Species endemic to the Philippines, noted from Homonhon, Luzon, Mindanao, and Palawan; in Mindanao it was recorded only from Northern Mindanao and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao region (Cabras et al 2016a;Marohomsalic et al 2021).…”

“…General distribution. Species endemic to Philippines where it was recorded only from Mindanao (Naviaux 1994;Cabras et al 2016;Marohomsalic et al 2021 Habitat. Forest, arboreal species found on vertical and fallen tree trunks and leaves of different bush species.…”