Tiger Beetle
Cicindela
Lorphyra
On a sandy shore at the margin of Lake Baringo, Rift Valley, Kenya. Oct 2016.
At the interface between land and water there is often a stretch of open sand or wet soil. This is the territory where these ferocious predatory insects hunt. They are well equipped with quick wings, sophisticated eyesight, long sharp mandibles, and long agile legs. They are favorites among many entomologists because of their fascinating colors and markings. The larval stage also lives in open soil place within vertical tunnels that open onto the soil surface. The adults and larvae both are quick to grab insect prey. If tourists took notice of small as well as big wildlife tiger beetles would be revered right there with lions and cheetahs!
