Ghost tiger beetle (Photo by Stephen A. Marshall)

Ghost tiger beetle

Ghost tiger beetles are so well camouflaged against their surroundings that it’s sometimes easier to see their shadows.

What does this species look like?

No bigger than a dime, on hot days ghost tiger beetles can often be observed doing a little dance, rocking back and forth from foot to foot to keep cool. They are predatory, flying and running to catch their prey.

Where does it live?

Ghost tiger beetles can usually be found in sand openings, often referred to as sand barrens. Sand barrens are important habitats within the tallgrass prairie communities of the Rice Lake Plains.

What is its conservation status?

The ghost tiger beetle is threatened due to loss of habitat and disturbance — the same open flat terrain these beetles inhabit is also prime for recreational vehicles.

What is NCC doing to protect habitat for this species?

NCC has protected significant tracts of land in the Rice Lake Plains – important habitat for this unique species.