Tooth Cave Ground Beetle (Rhadine persephone)

Tooth Cave Ground Beetle (Rhadine persephone) | Federally Endangered Cave Insect

 

 

Named after Persephone, queen of the underworld, the Tooth Cave ground beetle (Rhadine persephone) spends its life in the karst caves beneath North Austin, perfectly adapted to the darkness. This reddish, flightless beetle uses its long legs and antennae to navigate its subterranean habitat, hunting microarthropods and digging up cricket eggs. Measuring just 7–8 mm (1/3 inch), it is found only in a few caves in Travis and Williamson counties. Urban development, pollution, and invasive species such as red imported fire ants threaten its survival, but with conservation efforts like protecting green spaces, reducing pesticide runoff, and invasive species management, we can help ensure this unique beetle continues to thrive in its ancient underground home.

 

5% of the profits of any sale supports Endangered & Threatened Species.

 

©Juliet Whitsett |Social: @juliet_whitsett_art      Purchase prints: HERE

Information generously reviewed by:

 Colin Strickland & Mark Sanders, City of Austin Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Environmental Scientists

COLOR PALETTE SAMPLED FROM IMAGES OF THE TOOTH CAVE GROUND BEETLE (Coming Soon!)

IMAGE:

 

Photo courtesy of Colin Strickland

RANGE:

BIODIVERSITY OF TEXAS SERIES:

With approximately 90 state and federal endangered species and 140 threatened species in Texas, Whitsett’s work underscores the urgency of conservation while emphasizing that protection is still possible.

Through the process of developing species-derived color palettes sampled from crowd-sourced images, Whitsett creates original artworks that draw inspiration from these distinctive palettes, as well as the lives and forms of the rarest and most at-risk. Collaborating closely with scientists and leading experts, she continually seeks to deepen her understanding of these species, contributing to both environmental education and conservation.

Juliet Whitsett is an Austin-based artist and environmental advocate specializing in biodiversity, ecological storytelling, and public engagement. Through research-driven art, she makes scientific knowledge accessible, inspiring awareness and action for the natural world.

SOURCES:

Personal communication with Colin Strickland and Mark Sanders

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhadine_persephone