New Zealand Tiger Beetle vs Fleabane Tortoise Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Tiger Beetle | Fleabane Tortoise Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocicindela tuberculata | Cassida murraea |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cicindelidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Wetlands |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
New Zealand Tiger Beetle
An endemic tiger beetle found on sandy and clay soils throughout New Zealand. It is an active visual predator that runs down prey on bare ground. The larvae are ambush predators that live in vertical burrows in the soil.
Did You Know?
New Zealand tiger beetles run so fast relative to their size that they temporarily go blind during pursuit, having to stop and re-locate their prey before sprinting again.
Fleabane Tortoise Beetle
A striking red-brown and black tortoise beetle associated with fleabane plants. Has characteristic dark markings on the transparent shield margin. Found in damp habitats.
Did You Know?
The larvae cover themselves with their own excrement and shed skins as a defensive shield.