Green Tiger Beetle
Green Tiger Beetle (Cicindela campestris)
The Green Tiger Beetle is a long-legged insect with quick movement speed. This makes it a nimble predator. The digestion process of this beetle is similar to that of other insects, however, it is set apart by its use of a method called pre-oral digestion. The beetle uses a fluid to break its prey into digestible pieces. The beetle then consumes the pieces, and salivary glands release saliva which contains enzymes. These enzymes help break the food down and prepare it for main digestion. The foregut and midgut are the main sites of breaking down. Once past these, what remains of the food enters the hindgut to be made into waste. Ultimately, all waste product comes out the anus.