I had seen the occasional photograph of a green tiger beetle in a general UK and Europe bug group on Facebook. They appeared to inhabit sand dunes and were always captured speeding away from the photographer. (In fact, they are one of our fastest insects, managing to reach speeds of 5 mph). I had been mistaken about their preferred habitat though, as they are more widespread than I realised and can also be found on bare sandy areas of heathland and moorland. They are ferocious predators and hunt spiders, ants and caterpillars, using sharp teeth set in huge sickle-shaped jaws.
I had gone to a new location a few weeks ago in search of pearl bordered fritillary butterflies. I did see a few and even managed to get one decent photograph, but it was the green beetle I spotted on the path that grabbed my attention. It flew away seconds later, but it was long enough for me to be sure of the ID.
Chatting to a local gentleman a while later, he confirmed my sighting and said there were many in that area. Not long afterwards, a small colony was spotted on a bare area of ground adjacent to the woods. I spent the next hour or so with these incredible beetles and returned to the location on three more occasions. The most recent visit was only yesterday, but they are greatly reduced in numbers and even harder to approach. My guess is that I caught them during the mating season before, when they were congregating in one spot.
This place is certainly one that I will return to in the future.
Steve
21 May 2025Lovely shots 🙂
Zooey
22 May 2025Cheers Steve! I’ve just spotted your web site. Very nice indeed 🙂
Sid
1 Jun 2025Hello 🙂
Great captures!
Have a sunny Sunday!
Sid
Zooey
1 Jun 2025You have a sunny Sunday too, my friend. I had intended to go out and look for bugs, but it’s far too windy today. Maybe tomorrow… 🙂