Mecyclothorax dannieae Perrault, 1978b: 141; 1986: 450

Liebherr, James K., 2013, The Mecyclothorax beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Moriomorphini) of Tahiti, Society Islands, ZooKeys 322, pp. 1-170 : 54-55

43. Mecyclothorax dannieae Perrault, 1978b: 141; 1986: 450

Identification.

Of the Mecyclothorax dannieae group species with setal formula 2222 (Figs 25C, 26), this species is characterized by the most well-defined pronotal hind angles, with the pronotal lateral margins slightly sinuate anterad the angles (Fig. 26B). The elytra are moderately narrowed basally, the subangulate humeri proximate. The male aedeagal median lobe is sinuously curved apically with a truncate apex (Fig. 27D), with the ostial canal starting at the right-directed apex of the ostium, and terminating near the dorsal margin of the median lobe apex. The male right paramere is expanded apically into a setose lamellate structure, as also observed in males of Mecyclothorax tahitiensis , Mecyclothorax pitohitiensis , and Mecyclothorax villiersi (Figs 24E, F, 27E). Of these four species, Mecyclothorax dannieae exhibits the most plesiomorphic median lobe, with only slight sinuation of the lobe beyond the ostium, and minimal dorsoventral expansion at the tip. This species is characterized by well-developed microsculpture, including: 1, upraised, transversely stretched sculpticells covering the frons and vertex; 2, a swirling transverse mesh on the pronotal disc, sculpticell breadth 2 –4× length; and 3, regular transverse mesh on the discal elytral intervals 1-4, sculpticell breadth 2 –3× length, the mesh more elongate but just as regular on the lateral elytral intervals. Standardized body length 5.4-6.2 mm.

Distribution and habitat.

Perrault (1986) reported this species from 1000-2000 m on Mont Aorai. Several of his specimens from between 1100 and 1400 m elevation were collected in vinegar pitfall traps.