The New Zealand endemic genus Cyclaxyra is revised, and found to contain three species. Cyclaxyra impressa Broun, 1915 is placed in synonymy with C. politula (Broun, 1881), the type species. This species is widespread in the lower North and South Islands. Two new species are described from the South Island. Support is given for removal of Cyclaxyra from Phalacridae and recognition of a distinct monobasic family, the Cyclaxyridae (as recognized by Lawrence et al. 1999). Evidence is provided about its possible relationships among other families of Cucujoidea. Adults and larvae of species within the genus feed apparently exclusively on sooty molds (Ascomycota). Hypotheses are provided about the function of the deep, pocket-like, internally setose epipleural fovea, a character unique to this genus within the Cucujoidea.