Racing Stripes

Over 2,600 species of tiger beetles are found all over the world. I know them from visiting the sand dunes of Lake Michigan as a kid. Even though they’re named after the tiger, not all tiger beetles are striped. They come in many different colors, like brown, green, red, blue, and more. Some tiger beetles are iridescent, which means their color seems to shift and shine from different angles, like a soap bubble. Other tiger beetles are metallic and reflect light, like a clean, shiny car.

For their size, tiger beetles are some of the fastest creatures on earth. They’re so quick that they have to stop just to see where they’re going! Their speed makes them a fierce predator (hunter) and helps them avoid becoming prey (food for other predators). Before Adam and Eve sinned and death entered the world, animals didn’t hunt and eat each other. But in our fallen world, creatures like tiger beetles benefit from skills that help them survive—like running fast.

Predator or Prey?

Unscramble the names of what the tiger beetle eats—and what eats the tiger beetle.

Predator

Prey

Hi, I’m Peter Schriemer! As a wildlife educator and TV host, I get excited about tracking down God’s creatures! Join my adventures on my Answers TV show Hike & Seek.