Genus
Plutacia
2 species
*Plutacia* Rivalier, 1961 is a small Oriental genus of just two tiger beetle species, recognised by their notably reduced eyes — an unusual trait among the predominantly large-eyed Cicindelina. These metallic beetles inhabit forest floors, favouring bare sandy soil, clay-loam, and riverine substrates. Their nocturnal activity sets them apart from the majority of diurnal tiger beetles.
Diagnosis
DIAGNOSIS — *Plutacia* Rivalier, 1961. Body small, c. 12 mm; oval; metallic with spots. Eyes small, reduced (contrasting with protuberant eyes typical of Cicindelina). Labrum transverse. Fully winged. Nocturnal. Habitat: forest floor; bare sandy soil, clay-loam, or riverine substrate. No confusion genera recorded for this genus.
Etymology
Etymology obscure; possibly mythological reference (cf. Plutus, god of wealth).
Species (2)
Distribution map — GBIF occurrences
GBIF · © OpenStreetMap · © CartoDB
Overview
*Plutacia* Rivalier, 1961 is a small Oriental genus of just two tiger beetle species, recognised by their notably reduced eyes — an unusual trait among the predominantly large-eyed Cicindelina. These metallic beetles inhabit forest floors, favouring bare sandy soil, clay-loam, and riverine substrates. Their nocturnal activity sets them apart from the majority of diurnal tiger beetles.
Type species: Plutacia parvula Bates, 1881 [by monotypy]
1. Wiesner, J. (2020) — checklist authority 2. Bates, H.W. (1881) — original genus description 3. Moravec, J. (2020) — Cicindelini Vol. 2 4. Pearson, D.L. & Vogler, A.P. (2001) — Tiger Beetles: The Evolution, Ecology, and Diversity of the Cicindelids. Cornell Univ. Press, Ithaca, 333 pp. [ISBN 0-8014-3882-9] 5. Pearson, D.L., Wiesner, J., Uniyal, V.P., Acciavatti, R.E. & Anichtchenko, A. (2020) — A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of India. Indira Publishing House, West Bloomfield, MI, 416 pp. 6. Knisley, C.B. & Pearson, D.L. (1984) — Biosystematics of larval tiger beetles, Sulphur Springs Valley, Arizona: descriptions of species and a review of larval biology. Transactions of the American Entomological Society 110: 465-551. 7. Arndt, E. & Putchkov, A.V. (1997) — Phylogenetic investigation of Cicindelidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) using larval morphological characters. Zoologischer Anzeiger 235: 231-241. 8. Schüle, P., Putchkov, A.V. & Markina, T.Y. (2021) — Dromica larvae: pronotum and hooks as unique characters. ZooKeys 1027: 111-138. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1027.61993 9. Duran, D.P. & Gough, H.M. (2020) — Validation of tiger beetles as distinct family (Cicindelidae) and reclassification within Coleoptera. Systematic Entomology 45(4): 723-729. DOI: 10.1111/syen.12440 [validates Cicindelidae as separate family] +5 citations · full list in paid edition
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Genera and Subgenera of Tiger Beetles
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