Common Claybank Tiger Beetle (Cicindela limbalis) found in Ferdinand, Vermont. © Laura Gaudette.
Congratulations to Laura Gaudette for winning the August 2016 iNaturalist Vermont photo-observation of the month contest. The image of Claybank Tiger Beetle (Cicindela limbalis) was the most popular photo-observation as measured by clicked ‘favs’.
Known for their aggressive predatory habits and lightning quick speed, tiger beetles capture the passion of many naturalists. Their large bulging eyes, long, slender legs and large curved mandibles make these beetles one of the scariest predators in their tiny world, but also one of the most beautiful. Many have colorful or bold patterns that are quite attractive, and allow us to more easily identify them. There are over 100 species found in the United States, with 16 known to have occurred in Vermont, making these a relatively easy group of beetles to learn to identify. Over half of the species are considered conservation concern in Vermont. Learn more about this species and other tiger beetles at the Vermont Atlas of Life.
Visit iNaturalist Vermont, a project of the Vermont Atlas of Life, and you can vote for the winner this month by clicking ‘fav’ on your favorite photo-observation. Make sure you get outdoors and record the biodiversity around you and submit your discoveries and you could be a winner this month!
