Tiger beetles occur on most continents. In the United States
they are predominantly found in sandy open habitats,
including river sandbars, ocean beaches, mudflats, dunes,
rocky outcroppings, and even along woodland paths. As
their name implies these are active, agile insects, quick
to take flight, possessing good vision, and in many cases,
having colorful patterns that are quite attractive. These are
the “butterflies” of the beetle world. Many collectors readily
acquire most species in a relatively short period of time. An
entire journal (Cicindela) is devoted to the dissemination
of collecting notes, systematics, and behavior of tiger
beetles.