Tiger beetles can be easily recognised by their swift movements, large, pointed mandibles or jaws, long thin legs and the antennae on top of their heads. They get their name from the ferocity and stealth with which they hunt and are well known for their ‘ambush’ attacks on insects.

Well camouflaged, they capture their prey using their powerful, sickle-shaped mandibles. Most beetles have tough, armour-like forewings called ‘elytra’ that cover the soft, hind wings that they use for flying. They measure 10 to 21 mm, and may be brilliant green, violet, orange or greyish black in colour.

Like most other beetles, they undergo metamorphosis (change from pupa to larva to adult) and are diurnal by nature.