Green Tiger Beetle
Cicindela campestris
This record describes Cicindela campestris (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large (15 mm) tiger beetle that is iridescent green with yellow markings. It is usually found in areas with bare ground or sparse vegetation such as gravelly or sandy hillsides and sandy heath. April to September. Adults are active in early summer and favour sunny spots. They will often take to the wing when disturbed. Both adults and larvae are predators on other invertebrates. The larvae dig a burrow in the ground, often on or near paths to pitfall-trap unwary insects.
Wikipedia reference for Cicindela campestris: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicindela_campestris.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Carabidae
- Genus
- Cicindela
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is usually found in areas with bare ground or sparse vegetation such as gravelly or sandy hillsides and sandy heath.
Seasonal Activity
April to September. Adults are active in early summer and favour sunny spots. They will often take to the wing when disturbed.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Both adults and larvae are predators on other invertebrates. The larvae dig a burrow in the ground, often on or near paths to pitfall-trap unwary insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain but never common.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cicindela campestris. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Green Tiger Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Tiger Beetle
What is Green Tiger Beetle?
Green Tiger Beetle (Cicindela campestris) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Green Tiger Beetle found?
Habitat: It is usually found in areas with bare ground or sparse vegetation such as gravelly or sandy hillsides and sandy heath.
When is Green Tiger Beetle active?
Green Tiger Beetle: seasonal activity - April to September. Adults are active in early summer and favour sunny spots. They will often take to the wing when disturbed..
What is the life cycle of a Green Tiger Beetle?
Both adults and larvae are predators on other invertebrates. The larvae dig a burrow in the ground, often on or near paths to pitfall-trap unwary insects.