Cicindela sexguttata

Description

They are commonly found in deciduous forests in between Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Ontario and south to Kentucky, and are easily recognizable by their large, white, overlapping mandibles. The adult is 12–14 mm (1/2-5/8") in length, and has fairly long legs. The mandibles give these attractive insects a ferocious and appearance. While tiger beetles are voracious predators of small arthropods, they do not bite humans unless handled, and their bite is such a mild pinch that it is barely noticeable. Both the common name and the species name refer to the number of small white spots on the back of the beetle's metallic-green to metallic-blue-green abdomen, usually numbering six. This is not always the case, however, as some individuals may have more spots, fewer spots, or none at all, presumably due to genetic mutations. Tiger Beetles like to live in woody places, and they are especially fond of shady openings such as dirt paths and fallen logs to hunt caterpillars, ants, spiders, and many other kinds of arthropods. Although tiger beetles are not gregarious, many beetles may sometimes be seen on one log. The female lays her eggs in sandy patches, and the larvae burrow into the ground after they hatch. Here they lie in wait until small arthropods pass by, at which time the larvae pounce out of the soil like jack-in-the-boxes. The beetles develop as larvae for about one year before pupating, and the insect has a total lifespan of just under 5 years.