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partial NE subspecies Endemic · NZ medium

Zecicindela helmsi circumpictoides

(Bates, 1892)

Common name: Helmsi Tiger Beetle

Tribe
Subtribe
Cicindelina
Bioregion
Australasian
Countries
1
Body length
11.5 mm
Habitat
coastal-sandy
Activity
diurnal
Wings
macropterous

Distribution

New Zealand (South)

Coastal habitatBiome: Coastal sandy
Provinces: South

Flight period

I

Active October–March (peak Jan–Nov)

Similar to: Resembles Abroscelis, Antennaria, Archidela
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII

X-III (rainfall-triggered, austral wet season)

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Taxonomic notes

Original combination: [orig. comb.] helmsi halli (Bates, 1892) (Bates, 1892)

Originally described as helmsi halli (Bates, 1892); transferred to Zecicindela · Verified in Wiesner 2020 checklist

Synonym: Cicindela helmsi halli (Bates, 1892) [basionym]

Data quality: 72/100  ·  Source: GBIF; Wiesner2020; matrix-morphology  ·  Verified by V. Štrunc · Audited: 2026-05-13

Frequently asked

What is the Helmsi Tiger Beetle?
Zecicindela is a small but distinctive genus of tiger beetles endemic to New Zealand, comprising ten species adapted to forest environments and bare sandy or clay substrates. These medium-sized, metallic beetles are nocturnal hunters, a trait uncommon among cicindelines. Fully winged and robustly
Where does the Helmsi Tiger Beetle live?
It specialises in coastal sandy habitats. distributed across the Australasian region. with records from New Zeal