Mecodema dux | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Suborder: | Adephaga |
Family: | Carabidae |
Genus: | Mecodema |
Species: | M. dux |
Binomial name | |
Mecodema dux Britton, 1949 | |
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. [1] [2]
Distinguished from other North Island Mecodema species by:
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. [3]
A flightless and nocturnal predator of a variety of invertebrates on the forest floor.
Further research is required.
Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, this species is listed as "Not Threatened". [4]