Mecyclothorax mahina Perrault, 1984: 27

Liebherr, James K., 2013, The Mecyclothorax beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Moriomorphini) of Tahiti, Society Islands, ZooKeys 322, pp. 1-170 : 20-21

4. Mecyclothorax mahina Perrault, 1984: 27

Identification.

This species shares a transverse pronotal configuration (Fig. 10D) with three other species in the group - Mecyclothorax obtusus , Mecyclothorax gerardi , and Mecyclothorax poria (Figs 11A, B, D) - but it is the only one to exhibit a quadrisetose pronotum; setal formula 2202. Also, the elytra are more parallel sided, and the elytral striae more distinctly punctate. The frons and vertex are glossy, with a reduced transverse mesh visible in the frontal grooves. The pronotum has patches of reduced isodiametric to transverse mesh over portions of the disc, and the elytra are covered with dense transverse lines causing iridescence. The male aedeagal median lobe is elongate, with a broadly expanded apex bearing an obtuse dorsal projection (Fig. 3C). Standardized body length 7.1 mm.

Distribution and habitat.

The only known specimen was collected in litter at 1000 m elevation, on Pihaaiateta along the ridge to Pito Hiti.