Zecicindela


Zecicindela is a genus of tiger beetles endemic to New Zealand. It is in the Cicindelini tribe, along with another New Zealand genus, Neocicindela. It is similar to Neocicindela, but can be separated by the shape of the labrum and the presence of hairs on the clypeus, frons, genae and pronotum. Zecicindela live on riverbanks and the seashore, while Neocicindela may live away from water.

Taxonomy

The Zecicindela genus was created in 2013 following a 2011 genetics study which provided strong evidence that the Neocicindela genus should be split in two. The name Zecicindela is derived from "Ze-" and "Cicindela".

Phylogeny

A 2011 study examined the genetic relationships of New Zealand's tiger beetles. The combined sequences of cytochrome oxidase I, cytochrome b and 16S [ribosomal RNA|16S rRNA] found that Zecicindela formed a clade that was distinct and separate from Neocicindela.

Species

As of November 2024, it contains ten species, all endemic to New Zealand.