You’ve probably seen what looks like a small purple box kite stuck up in some of the trees around the area. These are to trap the Emerald Ash Borer, (Agrilus planipennis or Agrilus marcopoli) an invasive (and beautiful but destructive) bug that is having its way with the ask trees and more in the area.
This fellow at right is not to be confused with the also beautiful and beneficial six-spotted green tiger beetle whose picture appears below. The explanation that follows is from University of Maryland Extension and the experts therein.
There are multiple species of tiger beetles in Maryland. Species vary in color, but most have a metallic hue to them, and all are predators. At this time of year and for the next month or so you will frequently see the six-spotted green tiger beetle (Cicindela sexguttata) active on hiking and biking trails in wooded areas, especially in sunny spots. As you approach them they will take flight and land about 5 to 10’ away. Unlike assassin bugs or preying mantids which are “sit and wait predators”, tiger beetles are “active hunters”. They actively stalk, chase, and capture their prey along the ground. Tiger beetles have quite
long legs for running and large eyes that enable them to search their surroundings for any signs of movement which would indicate potential food or danger. Their jaws are powerful with very prominent “teeth” which they use to grab and crush their prey – yikes! Both adult and immature tiger beetles are carnivorous. The eggs of tiger beetles are laid in the soil where, once hatched, the larvae build an underground burrow. The larva waits in the burrow for an unsuspecting prey to pass by. When this happens the tiger beetle larva jumps from its burrow and grabs the prey, pulls it into the burrow and enjoys a feast. These beautiful insects are interesting to watch, but if you have the need to catch one beware – they have been known to draw human blood.
To learn more about the green tiger beetle visit the following web sites. https://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/bimg129.html https://www.raupplab.umd.edu
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