Geodorcus capito facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geodorcus capito |
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| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Vulnerable (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Geodorcus
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| Species: |
capito
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| Synonyms | |
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The Geodorcus capito is a large, special type of stag beetle. It cannot fly. This beetle belongs to the Lucanidae family. It is found only in the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. This means it is endemic to that area.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The outside shell of the Geodorcus capito can be shiny black or brownish black. Adult beetles look different depending on if they are male or female. This is called sexual dimorphism.
Male beetles are usually 17.0 to 27.0 mm long. This includes their large mouthparts, called mandibles. Female beetles are smaller, from 15.0 to 19.5 mm long.
You can tell males and females apart by their wing covers, called elytra. Male beetles have clear ribbed elytra with tiny, branching hairs called setae. Female beetles have less clear ribbed elytra. Their hairs are also very hard to see.
Where Does It Live?
This stag beetle lives on the Chatham Islands. You can find it on Chatham Island, Pitt Island, Rangatira, Mangere Island, and Little Mangere Island.
However, it is now mostly found at the southern end of Chatham Island. It is also less common on Pitt Island than it used to be. Things like farm animals eating plants and losing their homes have made it harder for these beetles to live. Wild pigs digging on Pitt Island also cause problems.
Its Home
All Geodorcus beetles live in forests and are active at night. This means they are nocturnal. Adult G. capito beetles have been seen walking on the ground at night. They also climb on trees.
During the day, these beetles hide. They like to stay under rotten branches. They also hide inside bits of wood on tree trunks. On Chatham Island, all parts of their life, even eggs, have been found in mossy holes in trees. On smaller islands, adult beetles have been found under rocks in forests near the coast.
What Does It Eat?
Scientists believe that adult stag beetles drink liquids. Their mouthparts are made for this. Adult Geodorcus beetles drink sap that comes out of trees.
Stag beetle larvae are the young beetles. They eat rotting wood. They find this wood on the ground or in trees. Some types of larvae live underground. They eat roots or decaying plant matter called humus.
Protecting This Beetle
The G. capito beetle is a protected species. It is protected by a law called The 1953 Wildlife Act. This law makes it illegal to collect or harm these beetles.
The Chatham Island stag beetle has lost a lot of its living space. This is especially true on the Chatham Islands where people live. Protecting their homes is very important for their survival.
See also
In Spanish: Geodorcus capito para niños
