Cicindela sexguttata

Distinguished from similar green tiger beetles by the glabrous (smooth, setae-free) front of the head; C. denverensis and other similar species have setose (hairy) faces and legs. C. scutellaris typically shows red or purple elytral coloration and stockier, shorter-legged build. C. decemnotata often exhibits reddish tinting and shinier, almost oily elytral appearance. C. patruela is generally less brightly colored. C. denikei is restricted to clay-sandy and silty till soils with larval burrows uniquely opening beneath stones. Diagnostic characters include elytral maculation pattern, stipal pilosity, antennal scape setae number, and male and female genitalia structure.

Adults measure 12–14 mm in length with long, slender legs adapted for rapid running. The body is metallic green to blue-green with a smooth, glabrous front of the head (frons and clypeus lacking setae). Elytra typically bear six small white spots, though spot number varies from zero to more than six due to genetic polymorphism. Large, prominent compound eyes and oversized white overlapping mandibles give a distinctive predatory appearance. The labrum is pale cream-colored. Antennal scape bears a characteristic number of sensory setae useful for identification.

Deciduous forests with warm, moist, loamy soils rich in humus. Adults are strongly associated with sunlit patches free of undergrowth, including dirt paths, fallen logs, and light gaps created by canopy openings. Thermal microhabitats are critical: beetles aggregate in illuminated areas for basking and foraging once the canopy closes. Larval burrows are constructed in sandy patches within these wooded environments.

Eastern North America, ranging from Minnesota and southeastern Canada south to eastern Texas, excluding the Florida Panhandle. Distribution limited by soil and forest types, with strongest association to eastern deciduous forest biome.

Adults active from spring through summer; activity constrained by thermal microhabitat availability. Foraging ceases or becomes restricted to light gaps once canopy closure reduces ground-level illumination. Adults enter diapause in autumn when thermal resources become insufficient to maintain preferred body temperature. Seasonal phenology varies geographically across the range.

Adults are generalist predators of small arthropods including caterpillars, ants, spiders, and other insects. Larvae are subterranean ambush predators that capture small arthropods passing near their burrow entrances.

Females deposit eggs singly in sandy patches. Larvae hatch and construct underground burrows, where they reside for approximately one year, feeding on passing prey. Larvae possess hook-like abdominal structures that anchor them in burrows. Pupation occurs in the burrow. Total lifespan has been reported up to just under five years, though three years has also been cited.

Adults are active, visual hunters that pursue and capture prey rather than employing sit-and-wait tactics. They exhibit complex thermoregulatory behaviors: basking to elevate body temperature, foraging at preferred body temperature (~32.8°C), and employing stilting, sun-facing, or shade-seeking when body temperature exceeds ~35°C. When approached by humans or predators, adults characteristically fly short distances, land, and turn to face the observer—often repeating this evasive behavior multiple times. Adults are not gregarious but multiple individuals may aggregate in suitable hunting areas.

Generalist predator providing biological control of small arthropod populations in forest ecosystems. As ectothermic predators dependent on thermal microhabitats, they serve as model organisms for studies of temperature-dependent activity patterns in patchy environments.

Generally harmless to humans; does not bite unless handled, though large mandibles can deliver a noticeable pinch if the beetle is captured. Frequently encountered by hikers and cyclists on forest trails, where their evasive flight behavior and bright coloration make them conspicuous. Occasionally trapped in human materials such as plastic sheeting. Popular subject for insect photographers and naturalists due to approachable habit and striking appearance.

• Cicindela denverensisSimilar bright green coloration, but distinguished by setose (hairy) front of head and legs; C. sexguttata has glabrous face
• Cicindela scutellarisOverlapping range but typically shows red or purple elytra; stockier build with shorter legs
• Cicindela decemnotataSimilar size and habitat but often with reddish tinting and shinier, oily elytral appearance; less bright green
• Cicindela patruelaLess brightly colored, generally duller green; different habitat associations
• Cicindela denikeiSister species with similar appearance but restricted to clay-sandy and silty till soils; larval burrows uniquely open beneath stones

The common name 'six-spotted' is misleading: spot number varies genetically from zero to more than six, and some individuals lack spots entirely. The species is sometimes assumed to be fluorescent due to its bright metallic appearance, but the coloration is iridescent structural coloration, not fluorescence.

• predator
• thermoregulation
• forest specialist
• ambush predator
• ectotherm

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• ID Challenge #1 | Beetles In The Bush
• Six-legged tiger king: Six-spotted green tiger beetle, Cicindela sexguttata — Bug of the Week
• The utilization of patchy thermal microhabitats by the ectothermic insect predator, Cicindela sexguttata
• GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATION, CLASSIFICATION, RECONSTRUCTED PHYLOGENY, AND GEOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THECICINDELA SEXGUTTATAGROUP (COLEOPTERA: CICINDELIDAE)