Manticora tibialis

Genus diagnosis Diagnosis & identification

This diagnosis describes the genus Manticora, not the individual species. Species-level characters are not yet recorded.

DIAGNOSIS — *Manticora* Fabricius, 1781 Body massive (40–65+ mm), the largest known cicindelids; habituwith robust, elongate-cylindrical. Dorsum entirely matte black to dark brown, lacking metallic ir

Similar taxa: Resembles *Mantica*, *Platychile*

Etymology

From Persian *martiya-khvāra* via Greek *mantikhṓras* ("man-eater" — legendary Persian beast); reference to the genus' enormous mandibles.

Seasonal activity

Active October–April (peak Jan–Nov)

Green = active months · Orange = peak. Peak: XI-I

Distribution

Botswana, Republic of South Africa (E Cape Province), Namibia (KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo)

Countries: BW · NA · South Africa

Provinces / states: E Cape Province · KwaZulu-Natal · Limpopo

External references

GBIF · iNaturalist · Wikipedia