Puritan Tiger Beetle

The Puritan tiger beetle is a medium-sized terrestrial beetle that can grow up to 0.56 inches in adulthood. This insect has long black legs that it uses to chase down prey. Their wings can range from bronze-brown to green. On their underside they are a metallic blue with small, white hairs. A characteristic feature of the puritan tiger beetle is their bulging eyes. But, these beetles are most well known for the distinct cream-white pattern that outlines the margins of their wing covers. Compared to other beetles, the puritan tiger beetle is thinner, sleeker, and faster because they have longer strides. These beetles tend to be shinier than other species of tiger beetles.

The Puritan tiger beetle is found in terrestrial wetlands, including rivers, streams, creeks, and even waterfalls. Its habitat varies based on the state it is found, as New England and Maryland differ in their environmental characteristics. In Maryland, the Puritan tiger beetle can be located within a 26 mile stretch of sandy beaches backed by cliffs along the Chesapeake Bay. On the other hand, in Connecticut and Massachusetts, this species prefers black sandy beaches.

The Puritan tiger beetle preys on amphipods, beach arthropods, flies, lice, fleas, ants, and small invertebrates.

The Puritan tiger beetle has a two year life cycle. Adults emerge from the cliffs in mid-to-late July. Female beetles lay their eggs on the edges of the beach by mid-August. All adult beetles die before the end of August. The larvae hatch by early September when they create and inhabit burrows on the beach. Here they feed on small invertebrates for the next twenty-two months. The second May after hatching, the larvae pupate and the adults emerge by the end of June. Adults can range from 0.46 to 0.56 inches when they reach sexual maturity at two years. In the wild, females typically produce one mature, viable offspring before it dies. However, females can produce upwards of 100 offspring when raised in captivity.