Unidentifiable bug/insect in hole
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
June 5, 2011 5:24 pm
I have several holes in my yard about the diameter of a pencil. Every now and then I can see its inhabitant peeking out, but it is quick. It ducks back in before I can really get a good look. Recently I was able to get a photo and try to enlarge image. This is driving me crazy what is this bug?
Signature: Bugged
Hi Bugged,
This is the predatory larva of a Tiger Beetle in the subfamily Cicindelinae and you may compare your photo to this image on BugGuide. BugGuide also offers this information on the larvae: “The larvae typically occur in the same habitat as the adults. The S-shaped larvae construct vertical burrows in the soil and anchor themselves with hooks located on the fifth abdominal segment.”
I’m a Golf Course Superintendent and I’ve just went through a greens renovation. I have these Tiger Beetle Larvae coming up all over my new greens. Holes everywhere. What can I do to treat them??
We do not provide extermination advice.