Orcus artensis Crotch

Orcus artensis Crotch, 1874: 188 .

This endemic species is known from the type specimen and two specimens from Art Island, in the Belep Archipelago (Laczynski & Tomaszewska 2009). It is not a common species, but we report here some recent collections in the southern part of the main island “Grande Terre” (La Ouenghi). According to Laczynski & Tomaszewska (2009), the coloration of this species is unique within the genus and separates easily O. artensis from all its congeners. Its biology is unknown, but this Orcus appears to be a predator of hemipterous Sternorrhyncha in forested areas (Chazeau, pers. obs.).

Material examined. NEW CALEDONIA: Pont de la Ouenghi, 22.xi.1987 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC).

Literature records. NEW CALEDONIA: Coll. R.I.Sc.N.B., Nouvelle Caledonie, Ile d’Art, rec. Montrousier, ex coll. Fauvel, Coll. et det. A. Fauvel, Orcus artensis Crotch (1: ISNB); same and R.I.Sc.N.B. 17.479 (2: ISNB) (Laczynski & Tomaszewska 2009).