''Paralissotes reticulatus'', also called the New Zealand reticulate stag beetle, is a native species of

stag beetle Stag beetles are a family of about 1,200 species of beetles in the family Lucanidae, currently classified in four subfamilies.Smith, A.B.T. (2006). A review of the family-group names for the superfamily Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) with corrections ...

from New Zealand. Although they do have wings they are flightless.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by

John O. Westwood John Obadiah Westwood (22 December 1805 – 2 January 1893) was an English entomologist and archaeologist also noted for his artistic talents. He published several illustrated works on insects and antiquities. He was among the first entomologist ...

in 1844 under the name ''Lucanus reticulatus''. It was placed in the ''Paralissotes'' genus in 1995.

Description

Including mandibles, male beetles have a length of ; female beetles from 13.8 to 21.3 mm. The beetle ranges from small to medium-sized with a glossy black exoskeleton. The reticulate name has its origin in the reticulate pattern of depressed scaly areas and non-scaly areas. Its head is widest in front of the eyes. Male and female beetles have similar sized mandibles. Like other ''Paralissotes'' species, this beetle is flightless despite having vestigial wings.

Distribution

''Paralissotes reticulatus'' is the most widespread species in its genus, having been collected from the Bay of Plenty to South Canterbury. There have been recent collections of this species near Dunedin. It is found from near sea level to an altitude of about .

Ecology

Like other stag beetles, adult ''Paralissotes reticulatus'' has been collected from underneath the decaying logs of native trees. The larvae are found inside rotting wood in an advanced state of decay. Like other ''Paralissotes'' species, this beetle is mostly seen at night, but may be seen during the day during wet conditions.

References

Lucaninae Beetles described in 1844 Endemic beetles of New Zealand {{Lucanidae-stub