I have observed and photographed Oregon Tiger Beetles, Cicindela oregona oregona, at the mouth of the Elwha River and several other sandy river and salt-water beaches on the Olympic Peninsula nearly every year since 2007. They are especially abundant on sunny late spring afternoons dashing about, mating and laying eggs.

Oregon Tiger Beetles are abundant and widespread throughout the Pacific Northwest. The species extends from the central plains of United States and Canada to the west coast.

Tiger Beetles can jump, run and fly, so they’re difficult to approach. Their sharp vision, speed and formidable jaws likely make them serious predators on any insects small enough for them to catch.

Field marks for this species include a prominent “knee” on the middle stripe—which is often not continuous—and bristles on the inner edge of each eye. In the specimens I’ve photographed and observed, the middle stripe varies, sometimes being broken or dark. In some individuals, the middle stripes on the two elytra differ. In different light, and because of individual variation, they can appear coppery, gold, brown, green or green with blue highlights. They’re about 1.5 cm long.