Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 1034887

Six-spotted Tiger Beetle

Cicindela sexguttata

Also known as Six-Spotted Green Tiger Beetle

Six-spotted tiger beetles flash metallic emerald green as they sprint across sunlit woodland paths in pursuit of small invertebrates. Equipped with bulging compound eyes and sickle-shaped mandibles, these ferocious sun-loving predators hunt by sight and frequently take short flights when startled. Larvae dwell in vertical soil burrows, snapping up passing prey from their hidden ambush tunnels.

IridescentDiurnalPredator
Six-spotted Tiger Beetle reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Ants
  • Caterpillars
  • Spiders
Predators
  • Songbirds
  • Robber flies
  • Spiders
ThreatsInsecticide use, forest trail compaction, habitat loss
HabitatsDeciduous woodlands, forest trails, sunny glades, clearings
Life span3–4 years (including larval phase)
Classification
  1. OrderColeoptera
  2. FamilyCarabidae
  3. GenusCicindela
  4. SpeciesCicindela sexguttata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Approach slowly: Walk quietly on sunny trails, as these quick beetles take flight if approached suddenly.
  • Look on sunlit paths: Scan warm dirt or gravel forest paths in spring where adults bask and hunt.
  • Watch for short flights: Observe how they land a few meters ahead along the trail, facing you to watch.
Related species
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