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Cicindela sylvicola

Cicindela sylvicola

The Cicindela sylvicola, also known as the woodland tiger beetle, is a shiny, fast insect that loves to run around in the woods. Its bright colors help it stand out in nature!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Cicindela sylvicola has a metallic green or bronzed body with a distinctive sheen. Its wing covers feature pale, curved markings (lunules) near the tips, often with a central dot or band. This pattern helps distinguish it from other swift tiger beetles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCarabidaeGenusCicindela
Cicindela sylvicola
solitary trait badgecolorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgeforest trait badge
Cicindela sylvicola

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adults run so incredibly fast that they can't even see for a moment!

Its speedy larvae ambush prey from underground tunnels they dig themselves!

They have powerful jaws that can snip a small insect in half in a flash!

When the ground gets too hot, this beetle does a funny 'dance' to cool its feet!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Sprinter

Cicindela sylvicola can sprint incredibly fast because of its long, powerful legs that help it chase prey.

Ability

Hawk Eyes

Cicindela sylvicola has huge, bulging eyes that help it see tiny movements and spot prey from a distance.

Ability

Ambush Burrower

Its larvae can hide perfectly in sandy tunnels because they match the soil, helping them ambush unsuspecting insects.

Ability

Crushing Jaws

Cicindela sylvicola has powerful, sharp mandibles that help it grab and crush other insects quickly.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
22-30 mm
Size
11-15 mm
Lifespan
730-1095 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This beetle is a lightning-fast hunter, feasting on small insects it catches with incredible speed!

Age differences: Larvae are ambush predators, living in burrows and snatching prey that pass by, while adults actively chase their food.

Primary Foods

  • ants
  • small flies
  • caterpillars
  • small spiders
  • aphids
  • other small beetles

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

red wood ant

Formica rufa

Adults actively hunt ants on the forest floor.

hunts

common black ground beetle

Pterostichus melanarius

A swift predator of smaller ground-dwelling beetles.

eaten by

European robin

Erithacus rubecula

Birds may prey on adult beetles foraging on paths.

eaten by

sand lizard

Lacerta agilis

Lizards may catch unsuspecting beetles on sandy ground.

Traits

Also known as

Woodland Tiger Beetle

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and watch from a distance; insects are delicate and can be scared easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cicindela sylvicola's wingspan?

22-30 mm

How big is Cicindela sylvicola?

11-15 mm

How long does Cicindela sylvicola live?

730-1095 days

How fast can Cicindela sylvicola fly?

8 km/h

What does Cicindela sylvicola eat?

This beetle is a lightning-fast hunter, feasting on small insects it catches with incredible speed!

Where is Cicindela sylvicola usually found?

Forests

How does Cicindela sylvicola hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Cicindela sylvicola have?

6

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