Mecodema dux

Mecodema dux is a medium-bodied New Zealand endemic ground beetle that is found in the Ruahine Ranges, Taupo, Rangitikei and southwestern Hawke's Bay entomological regions.

Diagnosis

Distinguished from other North Island Mecodema species by:

1. the overall pronotal shape being ovate;
2. numerous punctures between pronotal foveae;
3. elytral striae 1–4 with obsolescent punctures, striae 5–8 with punctures more impressed;
4. the distinctive shape of the apical portion of the penis lobe.

Description

Length 19–24 mm, pronotal width 5–6 mm, elytral width 6–7.1 mm. Colour of entire body dark reddish-brown to matte black, coxae and legs reddish-brown.

Natural history

A flightless and nocturnal predator of a variety of invertebrates on the forest floor.

Further research is required.

Conservation status

Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, this species is listed as "Not Threatened".

References