tiger beetle

noun

any of numerous active, usually brightly colored beetles, of the family Cicindelidae, that prey on other insects.

tiger beetle

any active predatory beetle of the family Cicindelidae, chiefly of warm dry regions, having powerful mandibles and long legs

First recorded in 1820–30

C19: so called because it has patterned, sometimes striped, wing covers

Many of the species of Cicindela, or tiger beetle, will illustrate this mode of protection.

Perhaps the carnivorous larva of the tiger-beetle, or cicindela, is as ferocious a being as any in this state.

At certain rotten trunks I was sure to get the curious little tiger beetle, Therates flavilabris.

It has very long legs, and prefers climbing among the foliage to living on the ground, like most varieties of the tiger-beetle.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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