Family: Cicindelidae, Tiger Beetles view all from this family

Description The Tiger Beetle is a member of the family Cicindelidae. Tiger beetles are usually shiny metallic bronze, blue, green, purple, or orange and range from 3/8" to 7/8" (10-21 mm) long. These fast runners have long legs and long antennae that arise from the top of the head. Most are diurnal, sun-loving species found on beaches and dry soil. Adults often burrow into sand at night or on hot days and are easy to see at night using a flashlight. All adults are ferocious predators that seize small insects with powerful sickle-shaped jaws. Their S-shaped larvae are also predators; they construct vertical burrows in dry soil and seize prey in strong jaws while anchoring themselves with hooks located on the 5th abdominal segment.

Warning Many tiger beetles will bite if handled.