A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Cicindela sexguttata
They 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. The beetle has a total lifespan of just under 5 years.
They are commonly found in the deciduous forests in between the Minnesota and Ontario and south to Kentucky. 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. Seen in woods along a lake.
I didn't compensate very well for the bright sunlight but the blue color of this insect was awesome.
Spotted on Apr 8, 2012
Submitted on Apr 10, 2012
+1
