Species Spotlight: Six-spotted Tiger Beetle (Cicindela sexguttata)

Did you know that approximately 40% of all animal species on Earth are beetles?! There are 147 species of tiger beetles in the United States. Tiger beetles, like many insects, undergo complete metamorphosis during their lifetime. This means they have four separate stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Their larva stage takes place completely underground. Have you ever encountered fat, worm-like grubs while digging in your yard? Those are beetle larva! Like their namesake, tiger beetles are fierce predators. Even tiger beetle larva have strong jaws that allow them to eat other invertebrates in the soil. As adults, Six-Spotted Green Tiger Beetles develop the iridescence green coloration that makes them so distinctive. While they're fun to observe, be sure to give them their space--the Six-Spotted Green Tiger Beetle has been known to bite humans when threatened. All in all, this bug is a giant in spite of its size. Keep an eye out for these beautiful green beetles throughout the spring and early summer.

Posted on 21 de maio de 2020, 08:14 PM by thenatureinstitute