FEDERAL
ENDANGERED LIST
“Terie II” the Salt Creek tiger beetle
Scientific
name: Cicindela nevadica lincolniana
Geographic location: Lincoln, NE. USA
Artist: Jessa Huebing-Reitinger
Medium: Oil on canvas 60” x 44” 2005
Performance venue: The University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE.
Collection of: U of N Entomology Department
This
tiger beetle was classified as a State Endangered (S2) insect
through the Nebraska Fish and Wildlife Commission, and sadly,
it wasn’t enough. Prior to 1997, two other tiger beetle
species in the U.S. were listed as Federal Endangered with
a much higher number count and more habitat sites. However,
in October of 2005, The Salt Creek tiger beetle received its
Federal Endangered listing, after more then a decade of efforts
thanks to the tireless dedication, and hard work of the University
of Nebraska Entomology Department and many other outstanding
citizens.
“Terie
II” is the second Salt Creek tiger beetle painting and
was meant to depict the vulnerable state of the species. The
death pose and dreary background of “Terie II”
is the reverse of the life-like pose and colorful background
of “Terie I”. The purpose of the second painting
was to persist in raising awareness for the beetle within
the local community, continue pursuing our integrity despite
the obstacles, and bequeath the original painting to the U
of N Entomology department in part for our gratitude and their
fortitude. Project InSECT is forever indebted to the U of
N Lincoln and staff for teaching us that keeping your integrity
counts the most when a situation appears hopeless.
