Yellowstone white tiger beetle (side view) - Cicindela haemorrhagica
Tiger beetles (Cicindela haemorrhagica) live, feed and breed in the hot, acidic, toxic channels of Yellowstone’s thermal features. Researchers are investigating how their body structure, behavior, and unique heat shock proteins protect them from 50 Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) heat, corrosive acid, and heavy metals. But once they die, they are quickly coated by the same mineral deposits that shape their habitat. See left photo. Removal of these minerals in an ultrasonic cleaner reveals the white tiger beetle’s stunning true colors. Original public domain image from Flickr