Knowledgebase

Bug ID from NW Branch Trail. #930314

Asked May 01, 2026, 3:33 PM EDT

Just wondering the bug and the science background. Thanks

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

This is a type of tiger beetle, likely the abundant and widespread Six-Spotted Tiger Beetle, which are commonly active this time of year. The adults are predatory and run around on open ground looking for other insects to eat; the larvae burrow into loose soil and are site-and-wait predators. You can learn more on the Maryland Biodiversity Project page linked above as well as the species' iNaturalist page and an Ohio State University article.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 01, 2026, 3:40 PM EDT
Thanks for the speedy response. It’s things like these that make me proud to be a Marylander.
Sent from my iPhone

On May 1, 2026, at 3:40 PM, Ask Extension wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2026, 5:20 PM EDT
You're welcome!
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 01, 2026, 5:33 PM EDT

Loading ...