Mecodema godzilla


Mecodema godzilla is a large-bodied ground beetle endemic to Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand. It is generally found in the areas of tussock and low-growing alpine tree line, with a few specimens now recorded on iNaturalist
It was described from two specimens, which are housed in two different entomological collections, the Auckland Museum and Lincoln University.

Diagnosis

Can be distinguished from other North Island Mecodema species by:
  1. its size ;
  2. elytra truncated by steep apical slope;
  3. lateral carina broad and reflexed upward the entire length.

Description

Length 34.3–36.4 mm, pronotal width 10.1–11.2 mm, elytral width 11.7–12.9 mm. Colour of head and pronotum black to glossy black, elytra matte reddish-brown to matte black, ventrally brown to matte black.

Natural history

Found on the scree and tussock slopes of Mt Ruapehu.