The fiery searcher

By Aaron Horrell

This incredibly beautiful bug is called the fiery searcher. It probably was given the name "fiery" because its feverish colors make you think you might be burned if you touch it, and the word "searcher" because it walks fast, searching for prey to eat.

The fiery searcher is a good insect to have in the forest, where it is most often seen.

It is active from spring to fall, always seeking caterpillars such as tent caterpillars and gypsy moth caterpillars to prey upon.

Both tent caterpillars and gypsy moth caterpillars are destructive to trees in Southeast Missouri.

This large native beetle can grow to one and a half inches long.

It is most often seen during summer, running around on the ground or climbing in a tree.

If you pick up a fiery searcher, it will try to bite you, but it can't sting or cause you any real harm. I took this photo on Nov. 15.