Mecyclothorax pseudaltiusculus Perrault, 1988: 233

Liebherr, James K., 2013, The Mecyclothorax beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Moriomorphini) of Tahiti, Society Islands, ZooKeys 322, pp. 1-170 : 36

20. Mecyclothorax pseudaltiusculus Perrault, 1988: 233

Identification.

This is a gracile species with a narrow orbicular prothorax, MPW/PL 1.25 (Fig. 17C). The lateral marginal depression is of subequal breadth from the rounded hind angle to the lateral seta. The eighth interval is broadly bulging and subcarinate dorsad the subapical sinuation, but not at all elevated anteriorly. The subapical elytral seta is absent, resulting in a setal formula of 2121. The head is glossy with only indistinct sculpticells traceable near the frontal grooves. The pronotal disc is glossy, with micropunctures visible but no sculpticells. The discal elytral intervals are covered with a regular isodiametric mesh. The male aedeagal median lobe appears very similar to that of Mecyclothorax paraltiusculus (Figs 18F, G), but the apex extends less beyond the ostium, and the flattened apical face is less oblique (Fig. 18G). Standardized body length 5.5-5.6 mm.

Distribution and habitat.

This species’ known distribution ranges 1100-1400 m elevation on Mont Marau. One specimen was collected in a Malaise trap, indicating the well-developed climbing abilities, and a second was beaten from a mix of Dicranopteris and other ferns.