Meet the . . . Tiger Beetles

I am surprised that, despite the popularity of the Moldvay basic set, no one ever seemed to convert the tiger beetle to 3e. This is a handy, lower level vermin that was fairly common in Basic D&D modules. I think tiger beetles might have first appeared in the combined Monsters and Treasures Assortment (1980), which was released before the Molday basic set (1981). Smaller than AD&D stag beetles, giant tiger beetles share a nasty bite attack.

The following text is Open Game Content.

Giant Tiger Beetle

This beetle is well over four feet long, with bulging eyes, long slender legs, and enormous mandibles. Its carapace is brightly colored and striped, like a tiger’s hide.

Giant tiger beetles prey on other giant insects, and will even attack and devour humanoids. Their mandibles are large and powerful enough to crush a grown human.

0e

Giant Tiger Beetle CL 3 (60 XP)

HD 3; AC 3 [16]; Atk 1 bite (2d6); Move 15; Save 14; AL N

3.5e

Giant Tiger Beetle CR 2

Always N Medium vermin

Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Listen +0, Spot +0

Defense

AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14
(+2 Dex, +4 natural)

hp 16 (3d8+3 HD)

Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +1

Immune vermin traits

Offense

Speed 40 ft.

Melee bite +4 (2d6)

Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft.

Tactics

During Combat A tiger beetle rushes forward to crush prey with its enormous mandibles.

Morale The tiger beetle fights until reduced to a quarter of its normal hit points.

Statistics

Str 11, Dex 14, Con 13, Int –, Wis 10, Cha 9

Base Atk +2, Grp +2

Feats Weapon Finesse ^B

Ecology

Environment warm and temperate forests, marshes, and underground

Organization cluster (1–4), colony (5–8)

Treasure none

Advancement 4–6 HD (Medium), 7–9 HD (Large)

5e

Giant Tiger Beetle

Medium beast, unaligned
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 38 (5d8 + 10)
Speed 40 ft.
Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
11 (+0)	12 (+1)	15 (+2)	1 (-5)	10 (+0)	2 (-4)
Senses darkvision 60 ft.; passive Perception 10
Languages –
Challenge Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d8+1) piercing and bludgeoning damage.

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