Tiger beetles are metallic colored, ground-dwelling, predaceous insects.
The Salt Creek tiger beetle is one of thirty-two species and subspecies of tiger beetles that have been recorded in Nebraska. It can be distinguished from other tiger beetles by its distinctive form and color pattern. They have 3 hooks on the dorsum of the 5th abdominal segment which act as anchors to keep them from being pulled out of their burrows by larger prey. The Salt Creek tiger beetle has one of the most restricted ranges of any insect in the United States. This sub-species is endemic to Lancaster County, Nebraska, being found only in the northern third of the county.