Geodorcus auriculatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geodorcus auriculatus |
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| Female, illustrated by Des Helmore | |
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| Male, illustrated by Des Helmore | |
| Conservation status | |
 Sparse (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Geodorcus
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| Species: |
auriculatus
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The Geodorcus auriculatus is a large, special type of stag beetle that cannot fly. It lives in the southern part of the Coromandel Peninsula and on Mount Te Aroha in the Kaimai Range of New Zealand.
Contents
What Does This Beetle Look Like?
Geodorcus auriculatus beetles are usually dull or shiny black, sometimes brownish-black. Their hard outer shell, called an exoskeleton, has tiny dots and very small hairs. They also have four faint ridges on their backs.
Male beetles are quite large, ranging from 21 to 29 millimeters long. This measurement includes their impressive, strong jaws, called mandibles. Female beetles are a bit smaller and don't vary as much in size, usually between 19 and 20 millimeters long. Their mandibles are much smaller than the males', which helps tell them apart. The head of the male beetle is widest behind its eyes and has a noticeable dip, while the female's head is less so.
Where Do These Beetles Live?
The Geodorcus auriculatus beetle is found in a specific area of New Zealand. You can find them from Manaia on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula all the way to Mount Te Aroha in the Kaimai Range. They live in places from near sea level up to 950 meters high on Mount Te Aroha.
Their Home and What They Eat
Adult Geodorcus auriculatus beetles like to live in cool, damp places. They are often found under fallen logs, hidden in the moist, decaying wood between the log and the soil. The forests where they live have different kinds of trees, like tawa, rimu, northern rata, kauri, and various types of beech trees.
Like other Geodorcus species, these beetles spend their whole lives in these cool, moist spots, such as under logs and rocks. They come out at night to eat. Their favorite food is the sweet sap that oozes out of trees and other plants.
Protecting the Geodorcus auriculatus
All Geodorcus species, including G. auriculatus, are protected by a special law in New Zealand called the Wildlife Act 1953. This law makes it illegal to hunt, kill, or even own one of these beetles.
The Department of Conservation has done many surveys to find where these beetles live. This has helped them understand the beetle's range better. The beetle was given an 'endangered' conservation status, which means it needs legal protection from people who might try to collect them.
Just like other Geodorcus beetles living on New Zealand's North or South Island, these beetles face threats from animals like rats, possums, and pigs. These animals might eat the beetles or destroy their homes. Also, losing their forest homes because of logging or mining has caused many beetles in these areas to disappear.
See also
In Spanish: Geodorcus auriculatus para niños
