Six-spotted Tiger Beetle (Cicindela sexguttata)

Named for the 6 white spots on the wings (3 on each wing), the intensity of these spots is actually quite variable from very bold to faint to absent.

This is the most commonly seen shiny green tiger beetle statewide in North Carolina.

Six-spotted Tiger Beetles are often seen on trails in and near woods. They usually take flight as the hiker approaches and fly about 10 to 20 feet ahead before landing on the trail again.

The spots are nearly absent on this individual.

The most commonly seen Tiger Beetle in NC, this Six-spotted Tiger Beetle is enjoying a grub for lunch.