Protobiella

Protobiella zelandica is a species of New Zealand beaded lacewing in the family Berothidae that was first described by Robert John Tillyard in 1923.^[1][2] It is the sole known species in the genus Protobiella, and the only berothid endemic to New Zealand.^[3] No subspecies are noted in the Catalogue of Life.^[4]

Protobiella
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Neuroptera
Family:	Berothidae
Genus:	Protobiella
Species:	P. zelandica
Binomial name
Protobiella zelandica (Tillyard, 1923)

Description and ecology

The species is small and brown, and can be identified by the interrupted stripe of yellow-brown markings present on the head and thorax.^[3] The species' antenna appear to differ between sexes, with male lacewings having fewer than 40 flagellomeres on their antenna, compared to females who have more than 40.^[3]

The species has been documented predating on pine adelgidae.^[5]

Distribution and habitat

Protobiella zelandica is found throughout the North Island and South Island.^[3]