Mecyclothorax globosoides Perrault, 1989: 62

Liebherr, James K., 2013, The Mecyclothorax beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Moriomorphini) of Tahiti, Society Islands, ZooKeys 322, pp. 1-170 : 105

87. Mecyclothorax globosoides Perrault, 1989: 62

Identification.

Along with abundant Mecyclothorax globosus of Marau and Aorai (Fig. 46B), and Mecyclothorax paraglobosus from Pito Hiti (Fig. 46C), this species (Fig. 45B) can be diagnosed by the basally constricted pronotum, broadly ellipsoid elytra, shallow yet punctate elytral striae, and setal formula 2111. But this species is easily distinguishable from the other two by the very reduced microsculpture. The frons is glossy, with micropunctures visible but indistinct transverse sculpticells discernible only near the margins of fields of reflected light. The pronotal disc is also glossy with indistinct, very elongate transverse sculpticells similarly traceable near the edges of reflected light, and the discal elytral intervals are completely smooth, their surfaces glossy, with the cuticle at most with irregular wrinkles and undulations. The male aedeagal median lobe is evenly narrowed apically to a slightly asymmetrical apex, the tip slightly downturned (Fig. 43E). Should a comparison be necessary, the lobe apex is more similar to that seen in males of Mecyclothorax paraglobosus (Fig. 47D) than to those of Mecyclothorax globosus (Figs 47 A–C), though more narrowly rounded than either. Standardized body length 3.5-4.0 mm.

Distribution and habitat.

This is the most commonly encountered species on Mont Teatara, Tahiti Iti. Perrault’s (1989) type series included 214 individuals obtained by beating vegetation. More recent records document this species’ very diverse occurrences, with individuals found associated with living and dead growths of Astelia , living and rotten Freycinetia , moss-covered Weinmannia trunks and logs, and Dicranopteris ferns, both living and dead. and in dense banks. Individuals have been found from 1050-1195 m elevation.