Tiger Beetle, common name for predacious beetles that are generally metallic golden-green in colour, with spots or stripes on the wing covers. About 1,500 species are known, the majority inhabiting the tropics. Some species are wingless, whereas others are active fliers. Most are generally found in sandy terrain, some only on the mounds of termites, and others on the trunks of trees. Both adults and larvae prey on other insects, and adults may also eat worms or snails. The larvae of many dig tubes in moist sand, closing the holes with their heads; they then seize unwary passing insects and drag them below to devour them.
One genus contains more than half of the
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