About Australian Tiger Beetle
The fastest running insect on Earth, clocked at 2.5 meters per second (9 km/h). At 125 body lengths per second, it moves so fast it temporarily goes blind while running.
Did You Know?
This beetle runs so fast that its visual system cannot keep up β it must stop periodically to relocate its prey because its eyes blur during full-speed sprints.
How to Identify Australian Tiger Beetle
Australian Tiger Beetle (Cicindela hudsoni) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Cicindelidae. Adults typically measure 18-22 mm.
Australian Tiger Beetle Habitat
Australian Tiger Beetle is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Australian Tiger Beetle Diet and Feeding
Australian Tiger Beetle has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Australian Tiger Beetle Found?
Australian Tiger Beetle can be found in Oceania, where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Australian Tiger Beetle can be found
Is Australian Tiger Beetle Dangerous?
Australian 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.
Australian Tiger Beetle Role in Nature
Australian Tiger Beetle plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Australian Tiger Beetle are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Tiger Beetle
What does Australian Tiger Beetle look like?
The Australian Tiger Beetle typically measures 18-22 mm.
Where is Australian Tiger Beetle found?
The Australian Tiger Beetle is found in Oceania and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.
What does Australian Tiger Beetle eat?
The Australian Tiger Beetle has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Australian Tiger Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Australian 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 Australian Tiger Beetle?
This beetle runs so fast that its visual system cannot keep up β it must stop periodically to relocate its prey because its eyes blur during full-speed sprints.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Australian Tiger Beetle (Cicindela hudsoni). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/australian-tiger-beetle
MLA:
"Australian Tiger Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/australian-tiger-beetle.