Tiger Beetles of Malawi
Interactive field guide · Cicindelidae · Cicindelidae matrix v54
73
Species
0
Endemics ★
17
Genera
Apr
Peak season
Malawi holds 73 species of tiger beetle (Cicindelidae). 17 genera recorded. Dominant genera: Megacephala (20), Dromica (15), Lophyra (7), Ropaloteres (6).
Habitats: open sandy (34) · coastal (33) · forest (5) · riverine (1)
2
Flightless
22
Nocturnal
17
Genera
Apr
Peak month
Iconic species of Malawi
Megacephala regalis peringueyi
Regalis Tiger Beetle
*Megacephala* Latreille, 1802 is a robust Afrotropical tiger beetle genus whose broad, enlarged head is wider than the pronotum — the source of its name. Active after dark on bare or sandy soils, thes…
Metallic
14–35 mm
73 species
What to expect: Peak activity in April. Dominant habitats: open sandy (34) · coastal (33) · forest (5) · riverine (1). 2 flightless species.
| Genus | Spp. | Traits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megacephala | 20 | coastal Metallic | DIAGNOSIS — *Megacephala* Latreille, 1802. Body 15–25 mm; head markedly enlarged, broader than pronotum; color bright me… |
| Dromica | 15 | open sandy Aposematic | DIAGNOSIS — *Dromica* (Pseudodromica) Cassola, 2002. Body 8–18 mm, metallic, oval; labrum transverse; wings dimorphic; ♂… |
| Lophyra | 7 | coastal Iridescent | DIAGNOSIS — *Lophyra* (Spilodella) Matalin & Cherkasov, 2004. Body 9–12 mm, cylindrical; metallic with pale spots; noctu… |
| Ropaloteres | 6 | open sandy | DIAGNOSIS — *Ropaloteres* Guérin-Méneville, 1849. Body 10–18 mm, cylindrical, elongate-cursorial. Coloration metallic (b… |
| Elliptica | 5 | forest | DIAGNOSIS — *Elliptica* Fairmaire, 1884 Body 10–18 mm, cylindrical, oval-shouldered; L:W ratio 2–3. Coloration metallic… |
| Euryarthron | 4 | open sandy | DIAGNOSIS — *Euryarthron* Guérin-Méneville, 1849. Body 10–18 mm, elongate-cylindrical; L:W ratio 2–3. Coloration metalli… |
| Prothyma | 3 | coastal Iridescent | DIAGNOSIS — *Prothyma* (Pseudodistypsidera) W. Horn, 1934. Body 10–16 mm, metallic, cylindrical; fully winged; diurnal; … |
| Bennigsenium | 2 | open sandy | DIAGNOSIS — *Bennigsenium* W.Horn, 1897 Body medium, 10–20 mm (key character ca. 15 mm), elongate, cylindrical; L:W rati… |
| Myriochila | 2 | coastal | DIAGNOSIS — *Myriochila* Motschulsky, 1857. Body 8–14 mm, elongate, metallic; eyes large, prominent; labrum transverse; … |
| Neochila | 2 | open sandy | DIAGNOSIS — *Neochila* Basilewsky, 1953. Length 7.1–13 mm. Elongate, parallel-sided, depressed; black to bluish-green or… |
| Cylindera | 1 | coastal Iridescent | DIAGNOSIS — *Cylindera* (Eugrapha) Rivalier, 1950. Body 7–14 mm, elongate-cylindrical, metallic. Nocturnal; bare sandy s… |
| Euzona | 1 | riverine | DIAGNOSIS — *Euzona* Rivalier, 1963. Body medium (8–16 mm), cylindrical, elongate; fully winged. Coloration metallic. La… |
| Habrodera | 1 | open sandy | DIAGNOSIS — *Habrodera* Motschulsky, 1862. Body 11–16 mm, elongate-cylindrical, dark and matte. Head wider than pronotum… |
| Manticora | 1 | open sandy Aposematic flightless | DIAGNOSIS — *Manticora* Fabricius, 1792. Body massive, 40–65+ mm, depressed; L:W ratio <2.0. Dorsum entirely matte black… |
| Phyllodroma | 1 | open sandy flightless | DIAGNOSIS — *Phyllodroma* Lacordaire, 1843. Body 9–13 mm, elongate-cylindrical, metallic with spots. Eyes medium. Labrum… |
| Pseudodromica | 1 | open sandy | DIAGNOSIS — *Pseudodromica* Cassola, 2002. Body large, 8–30 mm; shape oval; L:W ratio 2–3. Coloration strongly metallic.… |
| Trichodela | 1 | open sandy | DIAGNOSIS — *Trichodela* Rivalier, 1957. Body small to medium, 9–14 mm, elongate-cursorial, cylindrical in cross-section… |
open sandy
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Katanga
cf. Ambalia Calyptoglossa Cicindela
Bennigsenium planicorne
Werner, 2001 · 10–20 mm
open sandy
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
cf. Ambalia Calyptoglossa Cicindela
Cylindera discreta discreta
(Bates, 1874) · 5–22 mm
coastal
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
North-Western, Central, Eastern
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Dromica angusticollis
Péringuey, 1894 · 8–30 mm
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Central, Southern, Mashonaland East, Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Sofala, Manic
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Southern, Sofala, Zambesia
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Dromica cupricollis
Chaudoir, 1865 · 8–30 mm
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Haut-Zaire, Katanga, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Southern, Zambesia
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Dromica cupricollis cupricollis
Chaudoir, 1865 · 8–30 mm
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Haut-Zaire, Katanga, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Southern, Zambesia
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Dromica flavovittata
W. Horn, 1896 · 8–30 mm
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Central, Southern
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Dromica gracilis
W. Horn, 1909 · 8–30 mm
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Katanga, Central, Mbeya
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Dromica intermediopunctata
W. Horn, 1908 · 8–30 mm
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Katanga, Northern, Central
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Niassa
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Dromica murphyi
Cassola, 2002 · 8–30 mm
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Northern, East, Midlands
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Dromica spectabilis ritsemae
W. Horn, 1897 · 8–30 mm
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Southern, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland East, Midlands
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Southern, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland East, Midlands
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Southern, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland East, Midlands
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Dromica tarsalis
Cassola, 2002 · 8–30 mm
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Tabora, Rukwa, Coast, Mbeya, Lindi, Mtwara, Northern Province, Northern, Souther
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Elliptica compressicornis compressicornis
(Bates, 1878) · 10–18 mm
forest
Active January–December (year-round)
Katanga
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Elliptica compressicornis persignata
Werner, 2001 · 10–18 mm
forest
Active January–December (year-round)
Katanga
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Elliptica laticornis disperseflavescens
Werner, 2001 · 10–18 mm
forest
Active January–December (year-round)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
forest
Active January–December (year-round)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Elliptica laticornis laticornis
(Bates, 1878) · 10–18 mm
forest
Active January–December (year-round)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
Lindi
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Euryarthron bennigseni euryoides
W. Horn, 1906 · 10–18 mm
open sandy
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
Lindi
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Euryarthron gerstaeckeri
(Bates, 1878) · 10–18 mm
open sandy
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Euryarthron seydeli
Werner, 2020 · 10–18 mm
open sandy
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
cf. Calomera Cephalota Cicindela
riverine
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Habrodera nilotica nilotica
Werner, 1999 · 11–16 mm
open sandy
Active March–July (peak Apr–Jun)
KwaZulu-Natal
cf. Myriochila Salpingophora Socotrana
Lophyra bertolonia
(Bates, 1878) · 9–16 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
East Caprivi
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
coastal
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
Benguela, Huila, KwaZulu-Natal, Orange, Cape Province
cf. Hypaetha Myriochila Prothyma
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Venda, Grootfontein, East
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Lophyra mashuna
Werner, 2000 · 9–16 mm
coastal
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
cf. Cylindera Hipparidium Chaetotaxis
Lophyra reliqua
(Bates, 1878) · 9–16 mm
coastal
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
Kassai, Gauteng, Oranje, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Lophyra saraliensis livingstoni
Werner, 2000 · 9–16 mm
coastal
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Lophyra saraliensis saraliensis
(Bates, 1878) · 9–16 mm
coastal
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
cf. Calomera Cephalota Cicindela
open sandyflightless
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, N Limpopo, Uhehe, Kilwa, Lindi
cf. Amblycheila
Megacephala asperata asperata
(Erichson, 1843) · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
East Caprivi
Megacephala asperata breviformis
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
East Caprivi
Megacephala asperata dodsi
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Katanga
Megacephala asperata kaswabilengae
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
East Caprivi
Megacephala asperata overlaeti
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
East Caprivi
Megacephala asperata seydeli
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
East Caprivi
Megacephala asperata upembana
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
East Caprivi
Megacephala johnnydeppi
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
Chipata, Kasungu
cf. Phaeoxantha Pseudotetracha Tetracha
Megacephala regalis angulicollis
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi
Megacephala regalis atrospinosa
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi
Megacephala regalis citernii
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi
Megacephala regalis hauseri
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi
Megacephala regalis katangana
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi
Megacephala regalis oscari
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi
Megacephala regalis revoili
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi
Megacephala regalis serratosetosa
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Limpopo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi
Megacephala regalis xerophila
Werner, 2003 · 14–35 mm
coastal
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
Limpopo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi
cf. Phaeoxantha Pseudotetracha Tetracha
Myriochila georgwerneri
Werner, 1999 · 9–15 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Myriochila hauseri
Werner, 1999 · 9–15 mm
coastal
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Phyllodroma luteamaculata
(Bates, 1869) · 9–13 mm
open sandyflightless
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Prothyma guttipennis
(Bates, 1892) · 10–18 mm
coastal
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
Katanga
cf. Abroscelis Antennaria Apteroessa
Prothyma methneri methneri
W. Horn, 1920 · 10–18 mm
coastal
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
North
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Prothyma quadripustulata
(Bates, 1892) · 10–18 mm
coastal
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
East Caprivi, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Pseudodromica neavei neavei
W. Horn, 1913 · 7–13 mm
open sandy
Active April–September (peak May–Jul)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Ropaloteres grandis grandis
(Bates, 1878) · 10–18 mm
open sandy
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Ropaloteres grandis interruptoabbreviatus
Cassola & Werner, 2000 · 10–18 mm
open sandy
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
East, Southern
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
open sandy
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
Katanga
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Ropaloteres mimula
Cassola & Werner, 2000 · 10–18 mm
open sandy
Active June–October (peak Jul–Aug)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
Trichodela diversilabris
Cassola & Werner, 2000 · 9–14 mm
open sandy
Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)
cf. Ambalia Bennigsenium Calyptoglossa
| Taxon | Authority | Flight | Distribution | Flag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bennigsenium hauseranum
= Cicindela horni (Bates, 1878) [basionym]
|
Werner, 2001 | Katanga | ||
| Bennigsenium planicorne | Werner, 2001 | |||
| Cylindera discreta discreta
= Cicindela discreta elaphroides (Bates, 1892) [basionym]
|
(Bates, 1874) | North-Western | ||
| Dromica angusticollis | Péringuey, 1894 | Central | ||
| Dromica crassereducta | W. Horn, 1909 | Southern | ||
| Dromica cupricollis | Chaudoir, 1865 | Haut-Zaire | ||
| Dromica cupricollis cupricollis | Chaudoir, 1865 | Haut-Zaire | ||
| Dromica dolosa latepolita | Schüle, 2011 | |||
| Dromica egregia | Germar, 1843 | |||
| Dromica flavovittata | W. Horn, 1896 | Central | ||
| Dromica gracilis | W. Horn, 1909 | Katanga | ||
| Dromica intermediopunctata | W. Horn, 1908 | Katanga | ||
| Dromica jordani | W. Horn, 1899 | Niassa | ||
| Dromica murphyi | Cassola, 2002 | Northern | ||
| Dromica spectabilis ritsemae | W. Horn, 1897 | Southern | ||
| Dromica spectabilis sheppardi | W. Horn, 1907 | Southern | ||
| Dromica spectabilis spectabilis | Péringuey, 1893 | Southern | ||
| Dromica tarsalis | Cassola, 2002 | Tabora | ||
| Elliptica compressicornis compressicornis | (Bates, 1878) | Katanga | ||
| Elliptica compressicornis persignata
= Cicindela deyrollei deyrollei (Bates, 1878) [basionym]
|
Werner, 2001 | Katanga | ||
| Elliptica laticornis disperseflavescens | Werner, 2001 | |||
| Elliptica laticornis irregularis
= Cicindela laticornis laticornis (Bates, 1878) [basionym]
|
Werner, 2001 | |||
| Elliptica laticornis laticornis | (Bates, 1878) | |||
| Euryarthron bennigseni bennigseni | W. Horn, 1897 | Lindi | ||
| Euryarthron bennigseni euryoides
= Cicindela bocandei (Bates, 1878) [basionym]
|
W. Horn, 1906 | Lindi | ||
| Euryarthron gerstaeckeri | (Bates, 1878) | |||
| Euryarthron seydeli | Werner, 2020 | |||
| Euzona cyanonota | (Bates, 1892) | KwaZulu-Natal | ||
| Habrodera nilotica nilotica | Werner, 1999 | KwaZulu-Natal | ||
| Lophyra bertolonia | (Bates, 1878) | East Caprivi | ||
| Lophyra clathrata | Werner, 2000 | Benguela | ||
| Lophyra differens | (Bates, 1878) | Limpopo | ||
| Lophyra mashuna
= Cicindela miskelliana (Bates, 1878) [basionym]
|
Werner, 2000 | |||
| Lophyra reliqua | (Bates, 1878) | Kassai | ||
| Lophyra saraliensis livingstoni | Werner, 2000 | |||
| Lophyra saraliensis saraliensis | (Bates, 1878) | |||
| Manticora scabra
= Cicindela sichelii (Bates, 1878) [basionym]
|
Péringuey, 1888 | Limpopo | ||
| Megacephala asperata asperata | (Erichson, 1843) | East Caprivi | ||
| Megacephala asperata breviformis | Werner, 2003 | East Caprivi | ||
| Megacephala asperata dodsi | Werner, 2003 | Katanga | ||
| Megacephala asperata kaswabilengae | Werner, 2003 | East Caprivi | ||
| Megacephala asperata overlaeti | Werner, 2003 | East Caprivi | ||
| Megacephala asperata seydeli | Werner, 2003 | East Caprivi | ||
| Megacephala asperata upembana | Werner, 2003 | East Caprivi | ||
| Megacephala johnnydeppi
= Cicindela laevicollis laevicollis (Bates, 1878) [basionym]
|
Werner, 2003 | Chipata | ||
| Megacephala regalis angulicollis | Werner, 2003 | Limpopo | ||
| Megacephala regalis atrospinosa | Werner, 2003 | Limpopo | ||
| Megacephala regalis bennigseni | Werner, 2003 | Limpopo | ||
| Megacephala regalis citernii | Werner, 2003 | Limpopo | ||
| Megacephala regalis hauseri | Werner, 2003 | Limpopo | ||
| Megacephala regalis katangana | Werner, 2003 | Limpopo | ||
| Megacephala regalis oscari | Werner, 2003 | Limpopo | ||
| Megacephala regalis peringueyi
= Cicindela regalis regalis (Bates, 1878) [basionym]
|
Werner, 2003 | Limpopo | ||
| Megacephala regalis revoili | Werner, 2003 | Limpopo | ||
| Megacephala regalis serratosetosa | Werner, 2003 | Limpopo | ||
| Megacephala regalis viridissima | Werner, 2003 | |||
| Megacephala regalis xerophila | Werner, 2003 | Limpopo | ||
| Myriochila georgwerneri | Werner, 1999 | |||
| Myriochila hauseri | Werner, 1999 | |||
| Neochila kigonserana | Werner, 2001 | |||
| Neochila kigonserana viridissima | Werner, 2001 | |||
| Phyllodroma luteamaculata | (Bates, 1869) | |||
| Prothyma guttipennis | (Bates, 1892) | Katanga | ||
| Prothyma methneri methneri | W. Horn, 1920 | North | ||
| Prothyma quadripustulata
= Cicindela radama (Bates, 1892) [basionym]
|
(Bates, 1892) | East Caprivi | ||
| Pseudodromica neavei neavei | W. Horn, 1913 | |||
| Ropaloteres grandis grandis | (Bates, 1878) | |||
| Ropaloteres grandis interruptoabbreviatus | Cassola & Werner, 2000 | |||
| Ropaloteres grandis pseudocinctus | Cassola & Werner, 2000 | |||
| Ropaloteres leucopictus leucopictus | (Bates, 1878) | East | ||
| Ropaloteres marshalli | Cassola & Werner, 2000 | Katanga | ||
| Ropaloteres mimula | Cassola & Werner, 2000 | |||
| Trichodela diversilabris | Cassola & Werner, 2000 |