About African Tiger Beetle
The world's largest tiger beetle, a fierce predator with massive jaws. It is flightless and hunts on the ground at night.
Did You Know?
Despite being flightless, it can sprint across sand at speeds that would be equivalent to a human running over 300 km/h.
How to Identify African Tiger Beetle
African Tiger Beetle (Manticora latipennis) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Cicindelidae. Adults typically measure 40-65 mm.
African Tiger Beetle Habitat
African Tiger Beetle is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across Southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa, Botswana). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
African Tiger Beetle Diet and Feeding
African Tiger Beetle is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.
Where Is African Tiger Beetle Found?
African Tiger Beetle can be found in Southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa, Botswana), where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where African Tiger Beetle can be found
Is African Tiger Beetle Dangerous?
African Tiger Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
African Tiger Beetle Role in Nature
African Tiger Beetle serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About African Tiger Beetle
What does African Tiger Beetle look like?
The African Tiger Beetle typically measures 40-65 mm.
Where is African Tiger Beetle found?
The African Tiger Beetle is found in Southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa, Botswana) and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.
What does African Tiger Beetle eat?
The African Tiger Beetle is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.
Is African Tiger Beetle dangerous to humans?
The African Tiger Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about African Tiger Beetle?
Despite being flightless, it can sprint across sand at speeds that would be equivalent to a human running over 300 km/h.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). African Tiger Beetle (Manticora latipennis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/african-tiger-beetle
MLA:
"African Tiger Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/african-tiger-beetle.