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larose forest photos | all galleries >> INSECTS (INSECTA) (28 Galleries) >> Beetles (Coleoptera) (58 Galleries) >> Tiger Beetles (Family: Carabidae, Subfamily: Cicindelinae) > Ghost tiger beetle (Ellipsoptera lepida)
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17-JUL-2013 Christine Hanrahan

Ghost tiger beetle (Ellipsoptera lepida)

Also known as Cicindela lepida. This is a small tiger beetle at about 10 mm. It is pale white, almost ghostly, hence the name. It is found in only a few locations here, always in areas of sand dunes. It runs across the sand looking almost the same colour and hence, difficult to find and photograph (especially with the limitations of my camera). This is a new species for me and so I had to go to Bug Guide for more info on it. According to them, the larvae burrow down about 2 to 3 METRES into the sand where they can remain for a couple of years!

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
1/1000s f/5.7 at 100.0mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
Ulla Kruys14-Feb-2014 21:17
Very interesting to see this unusual tiger beetle! I love to watch the behaviour of these little creatures. And they have such beautiful big Eyes!! V
Yvonne14-Feb-2014 08:27
The bug is certainly well camouflaged against the grains of sand, you did well! v
Ika Zinka Eferl14-Feb-2014 06:59
Very nice shot , interesting information,Christine!V!
Hank Vander Velde14-Feb-2014 02:59
Nice sharp closeup og this ghostly-looking beetle Christine.
Karen Stuebing13-Feb-2014 21:37
An odd looking little bug. I like his pale color and markings. Great close up. V.
Peter Sussex13-Feb-2014 21:35
Excellent macro work and thanks for the info. V
Terry Sprague13-Feb-2014 18:27
Great info and fabulous image. Congrats on a new species!
Patricia Kay13-Feb-2014 18:24
Interesting info and a great capture Christine...BV
Walter Otto Koenig13-Feb-2014 15:48
Fantastic detail on this tiny beetle. Great close up of it. Thanks for the info. "V"
janescottcumming13-Feb-2014 14:34
Amazing you saw this! Great find and information. V
laine13-Feb-2014 14:23
Almost invisible...you did well to find it.
Jim Coffman13-Feb-2014 14:00
A very unique looking beetle and very nice image..
Torben Jorgensen13-Feb-2014 12:17
Wonderful tiger beetle, love the white colour. Great shot of this interesting beetle. V
Stephanie13-Feb-2014 11:49
This is such an interesting and unusual bug! Excellent capture and information Christine! V
hayl13-Feb-2014 11:48
Terrific closeup showing the detailed pattern - perfectly camouflaged.
Helen Betts13-Feb-2014 07:48
What an interesting looking beetle, especially its eyes. Super closeup, Christine. V.
joseantonio13-Feb-2014 03:56
Fabulous capture with some lovely details.V.
Carl Carbone13-Feb-2014 02:45
Fascinating shot!
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