tiger beetle

noun

1. any of numerous active, usually brightly colored beetles, of the family Cicindelidae, that prey on other insects.

tiger beetle

noun

1. any active predatory beetle of the family Cicindelidae, chiefly of warm dry regions, having powerful mandibles and long legs

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiger beetle¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiger beetle¹

C19: so called because it has patterned, sometimes striped, wing covers

Example Sentences

But tiger beetles take things a step further.

From Science Daily

In Texas, there are around 62 known species of tiger beetles, but that is likely an underestimate of the diversity that exists, according to Egan.

From Science Daily

“They have found some tiger beetles back in here,” he acknowledged.

From National Geographic

The tiger beetles only inhabit two sites within Miami-Dade County, and the largest of the two populations lives on a plot called the Richmond Pine Rocklands.

From National Geographic

Among those making an appearance: the Monarch butterfly, the nine-spotted ladybug, the Puritan tiger beetle, the Hawaiian hammer-headed fruit fly, the Mt.

From New York Times