Mecyclothorax bryobioides Perrault, 1987: 426; 1988: 239

Liebherr, James K., 2013, The Mecyclothorax beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Moriomorphini) of Tahiti, Society Islands, ZooKeys 322, pp. 1-170 : 38-39

25. Mecyclothorax bryobioides Perrault, 1987: 426; 1988: 239

Identification.

This species is among the five Mecyclothorax altiusculus group species characterized by a basally narrowed pronotum with briefly sinuate lateral margins (Figs 20D, 21), though the narrowed pronotal base of this species - MPW/BPW = 1.72-1.81 (n = 5) - is similar only to that seen in Mecyclothorax bryobius . The elytra are ovate, with maximum breadth near midlength. The discal elytral striae are finely incised and punctate basally, and the discal intervals are slightly but broadly convex. The frons is glossy, and the neck bears a shallow mesh of transversely stretched microsculpture. The pronotal disc is covered with a shallow transverse mesh, visible outside areas of reflected light. The discal elytral intervals have regular transverse-mesh microsculpture, sculpticell breadth 2 –3× length. The male aedeagal median lobe apex is dramatically downturned, with the ventral extension more elongate (Fig. 3H) than observed in the other group species exhibiting a ventral extension (Figs 19 D–G). Setal formula 2121; standardized body length 4.5-5.3 mm.

Distribution and habitat.

This species has been found from 900-1165 m elevation on Mont Teatara, Tahiti Iti. Specimens have been obtained by beating dead and living fern fronds, within the axils of Astelia plants, and via pyrethrin fogging of horizontal, moss-covered Weinmannia logs.