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Cicindela sexguttata - six-spotted tiger beetle

Cicindela sexguttata

Description:

They are commonly found in the deciduous forests in between the Minnesota and Ontario and south to Kentucky, and are easily recognizable by their large, white, overlapping mandibles. The imago (adult) is 12–14 mm (1/2-5/8") in length, with long legs. The large white mandibles, give these attractive insects a ferocious appearance. Although they are strong enough to subdue their prey, they do not bite humans unless handled. Both the common name and the species name refer to the number of small white spots on the beetle's metallic-green to metallic-blue elytra, usually numbering six. This is not always true, however, as some individuals have fewer spots, or none at all. Six-spotted Tiger Beetles live in woody places, and they like shady openings such as dirt paths and fallen logs to hunt caterpillars, ants, spiders, and many other kinds of arthropods. This species is not gregarious, but sometimes many beetles may be seen in one fallen log. The females lay eggs in sandy patches, and the larvae burrow into the ground when they hatch. Here they lie in wait until small arthropods walk by, where then the larvae pounce much like jack in the boxes.

Habitat:

The Six-Spotted Tiger Beetle or Six-spotted Green Beetle (Cicindela sexguttata) is a common North American species of beetle in the Carabidae family.

Notes:

The beetle has a total lifespan of just under 5 years !!!!! :O

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3 Comments

bayucca
bayucca 11 years ago

Welcome! Please, add "Six Spotted Tiger Beetle" as common name.

LucBertrand
LucBertrand 11 years ago

yes!!! thank you very much bayucca :))

bayucca
bayucca 11 years ago

Looks like a more blue variety. Please, verify!

LucBertrand
Spotted by
LucBertrand

Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada

Spotted on May 22, 2012
Submitted on May 22, 2012

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