The six-spotted tiger beetle, also known as the six-spotted green tiger beetle (''Cicindela sexguttata''), is a common
North America
North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Western Hemisphere. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Car ...
n species of
Tiger beetles in the
Cicindelinae subfamily. It is common in many areas of the states, and is well known. It is recognized for its bright green color and its flight pattern. They're usually harmless and live up to 3 years.
Description
They are commonly found in deciduous forests in between
Minnesota,
Rhode Island,
Ontario and south to
Kentucky, and are easily recognizable by their large, white, overlapping mandibles. The adult is 12–14 mm (1/2-5/8") in length, and has fairly long legs. The
mandibles give these attractive insects a ferocious appearance. While tiger beetles are voracious predators of small arthropods, they do not bite humans unless handled. Both the common name and the species name refer to the six small white spots on the beetle's metallic-green to metallic-blue-green
elytra. This is not always the case, however, as some individuals may have more spots,
fewer spots, or none at all, presumably due to genetic variation. This species is associated with wooded areas and they are often found in sunlit patches clear of undergrowth such as dirt paths and fallen logs where they hunt
caterpillar
Caterpillars ( ) are the larval stage of members of the order Lepidoptera (the insect order comprising butterflies and moths).
As with most common names, the application of the word is arbitrary, since the larvae of sawflies (suborder Sym ...
s,
ants,
spiders, and many other kinds of
arthropods. Although tiger beetles are not
gregarious, many beetles may sometimes be seen in one suitable hunting area. The female lays her eggs in sandy patches, and the
larvae burrow into the ground after they hatch. Here they lie in wait until small arthropods pass by, at which time the larvae lunge out of their burrows at their prey. The beetles develop as larvae for about one year before pupating, and the insect has a total lifespan of just under 5 years.
Gallery
Image:Green tiger beetle 1.jpg, ''Cicindela sexguttata''
Image:Cicindela sexguttata - six-spotted tiger beetle - desc-iridescent in sunlight on ground.jpg, ''Cicindela sexguttata''
File:Spinus-six-spotted-green-tiger-beetle-2015-06-n041281-w.jpg, ''Cicindela sexguttata'', Belleplain State Forest, New Jersey
References
External links
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*
''Cicindela sexguttata'' BugGuide
Tiger Beetle of Connecticut
Tiger Beetles of Ontario
Canadian Biodiversity Web Site
{{Taxonbar, from=Q1570784
sexguttata
Beetles of North America
Beetles described in 1775
Taxa named by Johan Christian Fabricius