Saturday, 4 February 2012

A Tiger Of A Beetle

I have reported on Tiger Beetles before on this blog. One sunny morning, I found this typically bark-running species sitting on a leaf in the sun. That presented an unusual photo opportunity.

 Tree-running Tiger beetle Dystipsidera flavipes Macleay, family Carabidae; Cicindelinae
 Tree-running Tiger beetle Dystipsidera flavipes Macleay, family Carabidae; Cicindelinae
Tree-running Tiger beetle Dystipsidera flavipes Macleay, family Carabidae; Cicindelinae

The mandibles are for capturing and holding small prey.

There are at least two species in this genus in Australia. D. flavipes normally perches head downwards on rainforest trees where it captures unsuspecting passing insects. These beetles are frequently attracted to lights suggesting they may be at least partially nocturnal.
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3 comments:

  1. Camera Trap Codger5 February 2012 at 02:50

    Very cool insects, and great photography. You photo-coach Alice will be proud. Love the raspy cricket.

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  2. Paul10 February 2012 at 19:18

    I used to love watching these insects in N.Z, I had a favourite spot where the Tiger grubs laid in wait with their heads plugging the holes of their lair ... then WHACK! with a snapping lurch they have their prey [crickets etc ...], and drag them inside to be consumed.

    Funnily enough, I was in the N.P.A recently and after chasing a frilled dragon into the scrub [no pic, he was onto me], I found some beautiful tiger beetles patrolling a tree ... I took some snaps, but they're a touch blurry ...

    Anyway, will post them/it and link to yours ... people will just have to read this comment twice as it'll be the majority of my own post lol ...

    Great stuff as always - thanks.

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  3. Mr. Smiley24 February 2012 at 11:13

    Thanks Folks. Enjoy the comments.
    D

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