Geodorcus novaezealandiae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geodorcus novaezealandiae |
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| Illustration from G.V.Hudson's "An elementary manual of New Zealand entomology". | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Geodorcus
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| Species: |
novaezealandiae
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Geodorcus novaezealandiae is a type of large stag beetle that cannot fly. It belongs to the family Lucanidae. This beetle is special because it is found only in New Zealand. It is the smallest member of its group, the Geodorcus genus.
Description
This beetle is quite a bit smaller than its relatives in the Geodorcus group. For example, a male Helm's stag beetle can be as long as 44 millimeters (about 1.7 inches), including its jaws. But a male Geodorcus novaezealandiae is much smaller, ranging from 12 to 21.5 millimeters (about 0.5 to 0.8 inches) with its jaws. Females are usually even smaller, from 11 to 17.4 millimeters (about 0.4 to 0.7 inches).
Like all other Geodorcus beetles, males and females look different. This is called sexual dimorphism. The male beetle has a much wider head and bigger jaws (mandibles) than the female. Their outer shell, called an exoskeleton, is a dull to slightly shiny black color. You can see clear raised lines or ribs on their wing covers, which are called elytra.
Where They Live
This special beetle lives in the southern part of the North Island in New Zealand. You can find them from the Akatarawa Valley in the Tararua Range in the north, all the way down to the Aorangi Range in the south. They have been seen living at different heights, from close to the sea up to 365 meters (about 1,200 feet) high.
Their Home
Geodorcus novaezealandiae beetles like to live in forests. They have been found hiding under the bark of living rimu trees and southern beech trees. They also make their homes in old beech tree stumps and among tree roots. These beetles are active at night, which means they are nocturnal.
Protecting Them
All Geodorcus species, including Geodorcus novaezealandiae, are protected by a law called the 1953 Wildlife Act. This means it is against the law to own, hurt, or sell these beetles. Even though they are protected, Geodorcus novaezealandiae is probably the most common type of Geodorcus beetle. Their conservation status is listed as "Naturally Uncommon" because they only live in a specific area.
Images for kids
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Pinned female specimen of Geodorcus novaezealandiae
See also
In Spanish: Geodorcus novaezealandiae para niños
