6 Spotted Green Tiger Beetle
Cicindela sexguttata
Insect Order Coleoptera
24 April 2004

I spotted these beetles running quickly here and there over a log on the trail around Lake Accotink in Springfield, VA. They were such a great color! I took several shots trying to get one in focus as it ran by; these are the best three. I didn't notice the tremendous mandibles until I got home and looked at the photos - I believe that's the reason for half their name. The "6 Spotted" part comes from the beige spots on their back. This one seems to have eight spots.