Margined Tiger Beetle
ExploreInsects
Margined Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera marginata
The Margined Tiger Beetle is a shiny, fast insect with beautiful green and black stripes. They love to run around in sandy areas and are great at catching their food!
Habitat: Sandy areas
Appearance
The Margined Tiger Beetle has a slender, dark body, often appearing metallic green or bronze, with a distinct, pale, wavy margin running along the outer edge of its wing covers. Its large eyes and long, thin legs are prominent features.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCarabidaeGenusEllipsoptera
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its larvae are "trap-door" predators, ambushing unsuspecting insects from burrows in the sand!
Scientists study their unique hunting style to inspire new designs for fast, agile robots!
The pale margin on its dark wing covers helps it blend perfectly with sandy environments.
When running super fast, it sometimes pauses to let its vision catch up before chasing more prey!
Special abilities
Ability
Speedster Sprint
Margined Tiger Beetle can run incredibly fast because of its long, powerful legs, helping it ambush tiny prey.
Ability
Eagle Eyesight
Margined Tiger Beetle has huge, compound eyes that help them spot tiny moving insects from far away, even while running.
Ability
Mighty Mandibles
Margined Tiger Beetle can grip prey with powerful, sharp, hook-like jaws that help them hold onto their wiggly meals.
Ability
Instant Escape
Margined Tiger Beetle can take flight in a blink, using its strong wings to quickly avoid predators or danger.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 12-16 mm
- Lifespan
- 180-365 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
A tiny hunter, Margined Tiger Beetles feast on other small insects and arthropods.
Age differences: Larvae are ambush predators, while adults are active pursuit hunters.
Primary Foods
- ants
- small flies
- spiders
- other small beetles
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Silky Ant
Formica subsericea
A common small ant species it actively pursues.
eaten by
Green Anole
Anolis carolinensis
A lizard predator that preys on many insects.
eaten by
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Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
An insectivorous bird often found in coastal habitats.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be gentle and watch where you step; these little beetles are quick and might scurry away!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Margined Tiger Beetle's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Margined Tiger Beetle?
12-16 mm
How long does Margined Tiger Beetle live?
180-365 days
How fast can Margined Tiger Beetle fly?
15 km/h
What does Margined Tiger Beetle eat?
A tiny hunter, Margined Tiger Beetles feast on other small insects and arthropods.
Where is Margined Tiger Beetle usually found?
Sandy areas
How does Margined Tiger Beetle hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Margined Tiger Beetle have?
6
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