Highlands tiger beetle facts for kids

The Cicindela highlandensis, also known as the Highlands tiger beetle, is a special kind of beetle. This insect is found only in central Florida in the United States. It is quite rare and needs protection to survive.

What Does the Highlands Tiger Beetle Look Like?

This beetle is mostly black. It is fairly small, measuring about 10.5 to 12 millimeters long. That's roughly the size of a pencil eraser!

Where Does the Highlands Tiger Beetle Live?

Its Special Home: Lake Wales Ridge

This unique beetle lives only on the Lake Wales Ridge in Florida. It prefers sandy areas like scrub and sandhill habitats. These places have lots of sand and certain types of trees.

You can find this beetle in open spots. It does not like areas with too many plants growing close together. Sometimes, you might even spot it on trails or paths. The beetle's home often has evergreen scrub oaks, turkey oaks, and longleaf pines.

Why is the Highlands Tiger Beetle in Danger?

Losing Its Home

A big problem for the Highlands tiger beetle is that its home is disappearing. Much of the Lake Wales Ridge has been changed or damaged. Its natural plants have been lost because of new buildings and farms, like citrus groves.

Too Many Plants

The beetle likes open areas, not places with thick plants. People have sometimes stopped natural fires from happening in these areas. Fires usually help clear out extra plants. When fires are stopped, too many plants grow, making the beetle's home too crowded. This means less space for the beetle to live.