Frigate Island Giant Tenebrionid Beetle vs Patagonian Tiger Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Frigate Island Giant Tenebrionid Beetle Patagonian Tiger Beetle
Scientific Name Polposipus herculeanus Cicindela patagonika
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Tenebrionidae Cicindelidae
Size 2-3.5 cm 12-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Seychelles South America (Argentina - Patagonia, Chile)
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Frigate Island Giant Tenebrionid Beetle

A large flightless darkling beetle endemic to Frigate Island in the Seychelles. It shelters under bark and in dead wood during the day.

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Did You Know?

Its entire wild population is restricted to a single island less than 2 square kilometers in size.

Patagonian Tiger Beetle

A fast-running predatory beetle adapted to the harsh steppe environment of Patagonia. It has a dark metallic body with pale markings on the elytra and large prominent eyes for tracking prey. It is one of the fastest running insects relative to body size.

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Did You Know?

It runs so fast that it temporarily goes blind during pursuit, having to stop and re-orient before resuming the chase.