Ghost Tiger Beetle

 Adoption on NatureServe.org

Ghost Tiger Beetle (Ellipsoptera lepida) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Conservation Status: imperiled (N2N3) in Canada (NatureServe)

I recently discovered that I can adopt a species on the NatureServe Explorer website and I was able to choose my most prized and favourite little species the Ghost Tiger Beetle. On the site you can choose almost anything under the Adopt a Species initiative and even request a special adoption which is what I did and chose to honour my father with a gift a species. The initiative is probably not on your radar and I wanted to let you know what a wonderful option it is as a gift idea. Just imagine that your favourite species out there can be help and supported through this action. The staff of NatureServe were so helpful and committed during the adoption process and they also featured one of my photographs, the one featured above. I may continue to adopt the ghost because in Canada they are imperiled but overall they are deemed vulnerable in North America. I have discovered two locations where this little beetle lives, one in Ottawa and another in the Larose Forest both are inland sand dunes. The beetles themselves only come out during the months of July to August and only on particular very warm days. Their only main natural enemy is the Robber Fly who you can see buzzing around the dunes in search of these little guys. 

Larose Forest, Limoges, Ontario, Canada.

If you are looking for a unique gift idea, look no further than the Adopt a Species to honour or legacy that special loved one. I highly recommend you gift or adopt through the NatureServe site so that you can lovingly support your favourite species.