there’s a whole bunch of photos that i didn’t manage to put online yet – including a batch from last summer:
nothern dune tiger beetle – kupferbrauner sandlaufkäfer – cicindela hybrida
(click to enlarge)
the species of the cicindela genus live on sandy areas like dunes, sandy forest soils, river banks etc. they use their enormous claws to feed on other beetles and spiders.
their long legs create some extra distance from the hot sandy ground when it’s sunny.
these beetles are extremely shy and will fly away at the slightest movement.
i was told afterwards that it’s easiest to take pictures of them when they’re mating – guess there are some moments in life that are more important than surviving a possible predator attack. ;-)