A brilliant metallic-green beetle with six white spots and long legs built for speed. Sprints after prey at incredible speeds across forest paths.

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 1.2–1.5 cm
Weight~0.1 g
LifespanAdults 6–12 weeks; full cycle 1–3 years
OrderColeoptera
FamilyCarabidae

§ Encyclopedia

The six-spotted tiger beetle, also known as the six-spotted green tiger beetle, is a common North American species of tiger beetle in the Cicindelinae subfamily. It is common in many areas of the United States of America, and is well known. It is recognized for its bright green color and its flight pattern. The beetle is largely harmless to humans and may live as long as three years.

Source: Wikipedia — Cicindela sexguttata Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Sleek metallic green-bronze beetle with six small white spots (three on each wing cover); long thin legs adapted for running.

Similar species. Other tiger beetle species (many; different patterns). Ground beetles (less reflective, not as fast).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small insects (ants, flies, small beetles) chased down with sprinting speed.

Behavior. Among the fastest insects in the world. Tiger beetles can sprint at 5.6 km/h (3.5 mph) — about 125 body lengths per second, the equivalent of a human running 480 km/h. So fast that their visual system temporarily "blacks out" during sprints and they must pause to relocate prey. Active during sunny weather along sandy paths, roadsides, and forest clearings. Larvae live in vertical burrows where they ambush passing insects.

§ Range

Eastern US

§ Habitat

Forest paths, sandy openings, dirt roads

§ Threats

Habitat loss, pesticide drift, vehicle traffic on forest roads.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the six-spotted tiger beetle is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Walk forest paths. Skip pesticides. Maintain bare dirt patches.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • BugGuide
  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory tiger beetle research
  • iNaturalist