Tiger Beetle Larva

Description

Omus are night-stalking tiger beetles. These could be Omus dejeani or Omus audouini. We collect them as larvae and so the exact species is too difficult to determine from larvae.

Very rarely available! They are voracious little predators of other small bugs both as larvae and as adults. Their mandibles are formidable in both cases!

Specimens measure 1/2 to 3/4 inches. Give them some soil to burrow into. A compact soil is best. You can encourage them to accept a particular burrow perhaps by pushing a thick nail or pen/pencil into the soil.

See photos of Omus at Bugguide.net