Insect · GBIF taxon 1034887
Cicindela sexguttata
cicindela sexguttataAlso known as Six-Spotted Green Tiger Beetle
Six-spotted tiger beetles are dazzling, metallic green predators that stalk sunlit forest paths and deciduous woodlands in search of small invertebrates. They hunt using explosive bursts of speed, running down prey on foot before dispatching them with powerful, sickle-shaped mandibles. When approached, they take flight in short, low arcs, landing a few meters ahead to face the intruder.
DiurnalPredatoryMetallic
1 / 7- diet
- Ants, spiders, caterpillars, and other small forest floor invertebrates
- family
- Carabidae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, pesticide use, and soil compaction on forest paths
- life Span
- Up to 3 years
LC
Can pinch with sharp mandibles if handled; observe their hunting behavior from a short distance.
- Watch the path: Look for them basking on sunny dirt trails, logs, or rocks during warm spring days.
- Observe their flight: Approach slowly to watch them perform their characteristic leap-frog flights ahead of you.
- Listen closely: Listen for the faint buzzing sound they make during short, low-altitude escape flights.