Species Insects & ArthropodsSix-spotted Tiger Beetle

Six-spotted Tiger Beetle

Cicindela sexguttata

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Six-spotted Tiger Beetle (Cicindela sexguttata)

The Six-spotted Tiger Beetle is a brilliant metallic green beetle with (usually) six white spots on its elytra, though the spots are sometimes absent. It is one of the fastest-running insects in the world relative to its body size and is a voracious predator of ants and small insects. It is frequently seen running along forest paths in dappled sunlight.

Habitat
Forest paths, trails, and woodland edges
Diet
Larvae and adults: ants, small beetles, and other invertebrates
How common
Common

Best time to see a Six-spotted Tiger Beetle

The best time to see a Six-spotted Tiger Beetle is April–May, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 46,829 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Six-spotted Tiger Beetle sightings near you

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