Common name : Common tiger beetle
Scientific name : Cicindela
Family : Carabidae
Native to : Worldwide distribution
Interesting fact : These beetles are popularly known as tiger beetles because of their amazingly fast speeds. They can run as fast as 9 km per hour.
Brightly coloured with metallic bodies that flash in the light, this species of beetle has got its scientific name from the Latin word ‘cicindela’ meaning ‘glow-worm’. Their habitat includes river and seashore areas with sandy or clay-like soil, sand dunes and woodland paths. The larvae can be found in burrows that are a metre deep. Both the adults and larvae prey on insects.
