Best time to see: Apr to Sep
Key facts
A bright green beetle with yellow spots, found in sandy places
Fast-running, hunting ants and other small insects in daylight; fly well, with a loud buzzing noise
Commonest tiger beetle (sometimes classed with ground beetles) in Britain and much of Europe
Recognition
Iridescent green with yellow spots on their back and long legs; up to 14cm
Lifecycle
Eggs laid separately in small burrows in the ground in summer
The burrows act like pitfall traps and the larvae remain in them waiting for prey to pass by or fall in
© Tony Gunton