Mecodema kokoromatua facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mecodema kokoromatua |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Mecodema kokoromatua (curvidens group) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Tribe: |
Broscini
|
| Genus: | |
| Species: |
M. kokoromatua
|
| Binomial name | |
| Mecodema kokoromatua Seldon, Leschen & Liebherr, 2012
|
|
The Mecodema kokoromatua is a special kind of ground beetle. It is found only in a specific part of Northland, New Zealand. This beetle is considered endemic, which means it lives naturally in just one place in the world.
You can find this beetle in the coastal forests. These forests are located behind sand dunes and near the southern parts of the Ahipara Escarpment in Herekino, Northland. The Mecodema kokoromatua is part of a group of beetles called the curvidens species group. It is related to another beetle, the M. parataiko, which is found in many more places.
What Does It Look Like?
The Mecodema kokoromatua is a medium-sized beetle. It usually measures between 22 and 25 millimeters long. That's about the length of a small coin!
Its body is mostly black. The color can be dull (matte) or shiny (glossy). Sometimes, its leg joints, called coxae, might be a dark reddish-brown color. The widest part of its body, near its head, is about 4 to 4.5 millimeters wide. The widest part of its wing covers, called elytra, is about 5 to 5.5 millimeters wide.
Where Does It Live?
This beetle prefers to live in sandy areas. It is found in ancient sand dune systems that formed a very long time ago. These areas are covered with coastal broadleaf forests. This specific habitat is located in the southwestern part of the Ahipara District in Northland. The beetle needs these sandy soils and the specific type of forest to survive.
