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.
Diagnosis Distinguished from other North Island Mecodema species by:
the overall pronotal shape being ovate; numerous punctures between pronotal foveae; elytral striae 1–4 with obsolescent punctures, striae 5–8 with punctures more impressed; the distinctive shape of the apical portion of the penis lobe.
Description 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.
Natural history A flightless and nocturnal predator of a variety of invertebrates on the forest floor.
Further research is required.
Conservation status Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, this species is listed as "Not Threatened".
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