Mecyclothorax ovalipennis Perrault, 1988: 236

Liebherr, James K., 2013, The Mecyclothorax beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Moriomorphini) of Tahiti, Society Islands, ZooKeys 322, pp. 1-170 : 37

22. Mecyclothorax ovalipennis Perrault, 1988: 236

Identification.

This and the following species, Mecyclothorax parovalipennis , are intermediate in pronotal configuration for the Mecyclothorax altiusculus group in that the pronotal hind angle apex is rounded, but the pronotal margin anterad the angle is slightly sinuate thereby tightly defining the angle (Figs 20A, B). The elytra are ellipsoid, as in Mecyclothorax jarrigei (Fig. 16A), but the striae are deep and broad (Fig. 20A), with minute punctures basally that only slightly expand the strial breadth. The discal elytral intervals are slightly convex. The microsculpture of the frons is reduced, the surface glossy, though shallow transverse-mesh microsculpture is visible on the neck impression to the pronotum. The pronotal disc is also glossy, though an distinct transverse mesh is visible in the larger wrinkles of the surface. The discal elytral intervals bear an elongate transverse mesh mixed with transverse lines. The male aedeagal median lobe apex is a rounded knob that is slightly extended dorsally (Fig. 19B). The ostial canal is broad and sinuously curved downward at its apical terminus. Setal formula 2122; standardized body length 5.6-5.7 mm.

Distribution and habitat.

This species is known from between 1125 and 1400 m elevations on Mont Marau. It has been collected by beating dead tree fern fronds, rotten Freycinetia stalks, and by pyrethrin fogging moss-covered Weinmannia trees.