Tyrant Ground Beetle Natural History
Size
The tyrant jungle beetle can grow to up to 4.5cm long.
Habitat and Distribution
This is a beetle species which is native to South Africa and they live in dry rocky outcrops and dry forests habitats.
Diet
Tyrant Ground Beetles are insectivores and eat many other insect species.
Groups and Breeding
This is a sexually dimorphic species with males having larger mandibles than females. Tyrant Ground Beetles breed in August-October and the young emerge in the following year.
Threats
This species is not considered to be overly rare and adapts well to changes in its environment. The biggest threats are pollution and collection for the pet trade. The IUCN Red List classes this species as Data Deficient meaning that this species’ wild population has yet to be studied.
Interesting Facts
Tyrant Ground Beetles are also known as Saber-toothed Ground Beetles. When threatened, Tyrant Ground Beetles can spray a type of formic acid substance up to 30cm causing temporary blindness.
The Tyrant Ground Beetles During Your Day Out in Kent
Our Tyrant Ground Beetles can be found in our Bug Garden along with many other species, including Giant Centipedes and many species of tarantula.