A genus of predatory beetles commonly known as tiger beetles, recognized by their iridescent colors, large eyes, and extremely fast running speed.
From Latin cicindela, meaning 'a glow-worm' or 'shining insect,' derived from the root cica- related to shining or glowing. The name reflects the beetles' metallic, reflective appearance.
Tiger beetles are the fastest-running insects on Earth relative to body size—if humans ran at their speed ratio, we'd be moving at 480 mph, and they have to stop frequently because their eyes can't track their own movement!
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