“A study in 1999 determined that the Australian tiger beetles may be the fastest running insects known. The fastest among them can run 5.6 miles an hour,” according to Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Name
Tiger beetles get their name from their voracious predatory habits. They are the “tiger” of beetles. Both adult tiger beetles and larvae strike fear into the hearts of other insects. This group of beetles comes in a variety of shapes and colors.
Description
There are 2,600 species of the tiger beetle which can be found in virtually any color. All tiger beetles have :
- six long legs,
- a pair of antenna, and
- long mandibles.
- These mandibles are similar to jaws and are used for disabling their prey and biting potential predators.
Interesting Facts
Tiger beetles have several interesting traits that they use for survival.
- Baby Killers– The larvae of tiger beetles are just as competent hunters as the adults. Tiger beetle larvae create tunnels and anchor themselves inside. The larvae wait patiently for prey to pass by and strike when they detect movement.
- Tiger Beetle? More Like Cheetah Beetle! – Just like the mammalian king of sprinting, the cheetah, tiger beetles are swift predators.
- Spittin’ Fire– In addition to their massive mandibles, used to dismember their prey, tiger beetles have an additional secret weapon. They use digestive juices on the carcass and wait for it to digest itself.
- Beautiful Killer– Tiger beetles come in many different colors and patterns, many of which are iridescently shiny. You can commonly find tiger beetles in hues of green, purple, and blue.
Habitat
The vast majority are of tiger beetles are ground-dwellers, but some species can be found in trees. Different species are found along the seashore and in the sand dunes, paths in wooded forests, and upon clay banks near lakes and rivers.
Distribution
Tiger beetle species can be found across virtually the entire planet, with only a few exceptions. Tasmania, Hawaii, Antarctica, and the Maldives are the only exceptions.
Diet
They will eat virtually anything that they can catch. The size of their prey typically depends on the species of tiger beetle; animals with large mandibles can feed on larger insects, while those with smaller jaws feed on smaller ones.
Human Interaction
Tiger beetles are threatened by human interaction, but the type of threat usually depends on the species and its habitat. Tiger beetles can and will bite when handled; the pain inflicted varies by the mandible size.
Pet
Tiger beetles can be easy to care for, but always ensure the species you plan on keeping is legal in your location. Handling should be avoided.
Behavior
Tiger beetles are solitary animals and only interact with other tiger beetles when breeding. They spend their time hunting for prey. When a male beetle breeds, he will stay with the female for a short amount of time to chase off other males, which is called “mate guarding.”
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