''Mecodema argentum'' is a large-bodied (29–32 mm length, 8.5–10 mm width)
ground beetle found in the northern region of the
Coromandel Range, New Zealand and relatively abundant in the hills above Coromandel town. ''Mecodema argentum'' is more closely related to ''Mecodema'' species found in
Northland, than other species found in the Coromandel Ranges.
The entire body is black, but the legs and coxae may be reddish brown, plus ''M. argentum'' can be distinguished from other North Island ''
Mecodema
''Mecodema'' is a genus of large flightless ground beetle (Carabidae) endemic to New Zealand. The genus is very diverse in comparison to the other three New Zealand genera ('' Diglymma'', '' Oregus'', '' Orthoglymma'') within the subtribe Noth ...
'' by the form of the apical portion of the penis lobe.
For a full description see Seldon & Buckley 2019.
Natural History
Further research is required.
References
argentum
Endemic fauna of New Zealand
Beetles of New Zealand
Beetles described in 2019
Endemic insects of New Zealand
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