Green tiger beetle  (Cicindela campestris)

This species is the commonest British tiger beetle (2). All tiger beetles are long-legged and fast-running. When disturbed they make fast, buzzing short flights (3). Adults are a beautiful iridescent green in colour with yellowish spots on the elytra or wing cases. Their large eyes and mandibles belie the fact that these beetles are superb predators (4).

This beetle is widespread and common in many parts of Britain (1). It has a wide Eurasian range, and is found from Europe across Siberia to the Pacific Ocean (4).

This tiger beetle is always found in sunny sites (1). It occurs in areas with bare ground and little vegetation such as sandy heaths and hillsides, and raised bogs. It is associated with well-draining soils (4).

The adults can be seen from April until September (2). Both adults and larvae are fearsome predators of other invertebrates. The larvae dig pits, typically on pathways, in order to create a pitfall trap (4).

This species is not threatened.

Conservation action is not required for this species (4).

For more on invertebrates and their conservation see Buglife, the invertebrate conservation trust:
http://www.buglife.org.uk/

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk