About Neocicindela tuberculata (Fabricius, 1775)
As adults, Neocicindela tuberculata can be distinguished from all other species in the genus Neocicindela by a unique combination of traits: one setiferous pore (a pore that bears a long hair) on the first antenna segment, plus the distinct colour pattern of the abdomen. Adult beetles measure approximately 9–12 millimetres (350–470 mils) in total length. They have a dark brown head and pronotum; their antennae and femora are dark, while their tibiae and tarsi are pale. The first antennal segment also hosts between five and nine additional setiferous pores. Their elytra (hardened forewings that act as wing coverings) are moderately wide, and widen further behind the middle. The elytra have a dark brown base colour with faint velvet black tinges; their dark areas are shiny, somewhat metallic, and covered in small, green metallic punctures. The elytra also bear numerous characteristic pale yellow markings. The humeral lunule, a marking located at the upper corner of the elytron, is fused to the marginal line, a marking that runs along the middle margin of the elytron. The middle band, an outgrowth extending from the marginal line, projects distinctly and angles toward the apical lunule, a yellow marking located near the tip of the abdomen. The marginal line is separate from the apical lunule. Neocicindela tuberculata is endemic to New Zealand. It occurs across all regions of the North Island, and in the Marlborough and Tasman districts of the South Island. It can be found at altitudes ranging from lowland to montane. While it occupies most habitat types, it generally favours open areas including tussock grasslands and dry clay banks, as well as modified open habitats such as roadsides and gardens. It occasionally occurs on dark ironsand beaches, where it has been observed living alongside the tiger beetle Zecicindela perhispida. Because the species prefers open habitat, researchers have suggested that extensive deforestation in New Zealand has allowed it to become more abundant and widespread.
