Green Tiger Beetles - Cicindela campestris

Just looking through the photographs from a trip to Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, earlier this year and found this of Green Tiger Beetles Cicindela campestris, it may be showing a pair copulating or the male defending the female.   They prefer clear heathland and brown sites which lie undisturbed to help them find their prey.   The clear land is warmed by the sun and this helps young to grow quickly, and also encourages strength in the adults so they are more efficient hunters.


These beetles lead a fascinating life underground, feeding on spiders ants caterpillars and other invertebrates - anything small enough to fit down their burrow!   This is a great example of the co-dependency of species and the need for all creatures to be protected.
For more information see below:


They, in turn are parasitised, by solitary wasp Methoca ichneumonoides.   Once the wasp larva emerges it feeds on the beetle whilst still in the burrow.    



https://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs-and-habitats/green-tiger-beetle