Identification
• Tiger beetles are shiny, flattened, with ridged wing covers, and
are 1/2 - 1 inch long. They have powerful, sicklelike mandibles (jaws),
large eyes, and the antennae are inserted between the eyes.
Host range
• Tiger beetles eat a wide range of insect prey.
Life Cycle
• Tiger beetles have complete metamorphosis and the larvae live in
soil where they make a vertical tunnel to catch arthropods walking along
the surface.
Other information
• An adult tiger beetle can give you a good pinch if you hold it in
your hand.
• The name refers to the predatory habits of adults and their ability
to pounce on prey.
• Tiger beetles occur more often on lighter, drier soils.