Mecyclothorax tihotii Liebherr, 2012b: 74

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

24. Mecyclothorax tihotii Liebherr, 2012b: 74

Identification.

This species is placeable in the Mecyclothorax altiusculus group based on the convex pronotal lateral margin anterad the narrowly denticulate, glabrous hind angle (Fig. 20C). However it is unique among Tahitian species in the broadly downturned male aedeagal median lobe apex (Fig. 19D). Among this group’s species, a downturned lobe apex, though narrower, is observable in Mecyclothorax bryobius , Mecyclothorax ballioides , and Mecyclothorax ferruginosus (Figs 19 E–G). The absence of the anterior supraorbital seta, and the resultant setal formula of 1121, is uncommonly observed in Tahitian Mecyclothorax , with the exceptions of the Mecyclothorax globosus group species, Mecyclothorax vaifaufa Perrault and Mecyclothorax profondestriatus . However their very different aedeagal configurations (Figs 40C, D) give cold comfort to any hypothesis proposing a close phylogenetic relationship. The vertex is glossy, with the neck bearing indistinct isodiametric sculpticells. The pronotal disc is also glossy, with an indistinct transverse mesh visible outside the area of reflected light. The discal elytral intervals are covered with well-developed transverse lines, with only occasional cross-connections resulting in a subiridescent surface. Standardized body length 4.1 mm.

Distribution and habitat.

This species was collected at 1100 m elevation on Mont Mauru in association with moss-covered Myrsine and Metrosideros plants.