How Does A Tiger Beetle Larva Catch Its Prey?
A tiger beetle larva develops a tunnel structure by digging a superficial but elongated recess into the ground. The larva stays still inside the tunnel opening, gripping the tunnel wall with two hooks that project form its upper abdomen. Its head hangs down into the tunnel entrance and, from this upside down vantage point it keeps a look out for likely looking prey. When something like a small insect comes along, the larva watches intently as the insect approaches the tunnel entrance, unaware that there is any danger. Suddenly, the tiger beetle larva makes a sudden grab for the insect, catching it totally by surprise. Once it has been caught, the prey is dragged into the tunnel where the larva can feed in peace, hidden from other predators. Some species of tiger beetle larva shelter in flattened, hollow stems of grass or reeds instead of digging tunnels, but their hunting technique is the same.
