All the CT species are in the genus Cicindela . Tiger beetles are predators as adults and larvae. As predators, tiger beetles generally prey on arthropods that are smaller than they are, such as flies and ants. It is unusual for beetles to move at such speeds- many common beetles move slowly and take much longer to prepare for flight. Tiger beetles, with a few exceptions, occur in sandy habitats with high rates of erosion and low plant density.
Adults dig short burrows for shelter during the night and much longer burrows to overwinter.
Depending on the soil and the species these burrows may extend to a length of 4 feet. The larvae are also predators, but are far less mobile. They build burrows and catch prey that passes near the entrance. I expect to build an entire section of this web site devoted to information on the larvae which will inlcude a key to species and numerous illustrations. Hopefully, this will be complete by the Spring of 1998.