The Capitol Beach area, once a haven for the beetle, had a high population count of 12 in 1992, but only 1 in 1996 and 4 in 1998. At one site, beetles have not been observed for over three years. The entire life cycle of the Salt Creek tiger beetle is linked to exposed mud flats of saline wetlands and mud banks of streams that drain these wetland complexes. The species is adapted to periods of high water and highly saline conditions. Adults are confined to the wetter muddy areas within a few yards of wetland and stream edges.
Larval burrows occur within a few inches of the water's edge.
Larvae will plug their burrows and retreat inside during periods of high water, very hot weather, or very dry conditions. For the most part larvae remain active until cold weather, when they plug their burrows and hibernate. Both the adult and larvae of the Salt Creek tiger beetle are voracious predators. They will eat almost any other insect of similar or smaller size. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range.