Mecodema haunoho, Seldon, David S. & Leschen, Richard A. B., 2011

Seldon, David S. & Leschen, Richard A. B., 2011, Revision of the Mecodema curvidens species group (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Broscini), Zootaxa 2829, pp. 1-45 : 28-30

Mecodema haunoho , sp. n.

Figures: 5, 16d, 21b, 25a, 26.

Diagnosis. Head broad and flattened. Clypeus with a single setose puncture on each side, bearing 2 setae. Prothoracic carina narrow, crenulated and extended to anterior angle. Pronotum fovea deep and broad. Elytral striae with regularly distributed, small asetose punctures. Setose punctures of 3rd, 4th and 5th ventrites absent. Apical portion of aedeagus symmetrically rounded with a moderate twist to right of vertical axis. Dorso-apical portion of central spicule, not greatly expanded. Basal lobe of left paramere rectangular, arm relatively large and apical lobe medium, and with setation along apical ¾ of ventral edge.

Description. Length 20–26 mm. Colour black. Head broad and flattened. Microsculpture of frons may be present, absent on vertex. Vertexal groove narrow and defined entire length. Form of microsculpture on anterior area of clypeus, sulcate. Clypeus with a single setose puncture on each side bearing 2 setae. Form of lobe of the mentum, square. Submentum constriction narrow with 6 setae. Prothoracic carina narrow, crenulated and extended to anterior angle. Pronotum broad and flattened, posterior lateral sinuation slightly angled inward, pronotal fovea deep and broad, rugose microsculpture may be present on pronotal disc. Elytra broad but convex, striae with regularly distributed small asetose punctures, intervals slightly convex. Setose punctures of mesocoxae and metacoxae absent. Setose punctures of 3rd, 4th and 5th ventrites absent. Apical portion of aedeagus symmetrically rounded with a moderate twist to right of vertical axis. Dorso-apical portion of central spicule, not greatly expanded. Left paramere basal lobe rectangular, arm relatively large, apical lobe medium, and with setation along apical ¾ of ventral edge.

Comments. M. haunoho is one of four species that form a monophyletic group (fig. 5), with its sister taxa M. aoteanoho (Great Barrier Island), M. atrox (Coromandel Ranges) and the widespread M. occiputale . This is the first described carabid species endemic to Little Barrier Island, the other 16 native carabid species on the island are also found on the mainland. Little is known of their ecology or biology; however, specimens have been mostly collected throughout the summer months in mature mixed kauri ( Agathis australis ) / broadleaf forest and usually in relatively close proximity (within 100 m) to freshwater. Additional specimens have been found in dry stream beds, and burrows of seabirds.

Distribution. North Island: CL, Little Barrier Island (only).

Holotype: Male labelled NEW ZEALAND CL, Little Barrier Island, Tirikakawa Stream, 2005, D.S. Seldon / HOLOTYPE Mecodema haunoho n. sp. design. by Seldon & Leschen 2010 [red label] ( NZAC).

Paratype material examined: 1, NEW ZEALAND AK Little Barrier I Summit Track 458 m on ground 10 Mar 1974 J.C. Watt / J.I. Townsend Collection / PARATYPE Mecodema haunoho n. sp. design. by Seldon & Leschen 2010 ( NZAC); 1, NEW ZEALAND CL Little Barrier I Mt Hauturu Track 366m 26 Feb 1976 T.K. Crosby on ground / PARATYPE Mecodema haunoho n. sp. design. by Seldon & Leschen 2010 ( NZAC); 1, NEW ZEA- LAND CL Little Barrier I 17 Dec 1983 J. Playfair / PARATYPE Mecodema haunoho n. sp. design. by Seldon & Leschen 2010 ( NZAC); 1, NEW ZEALAND CL Little Barrier Is Waitoki Stm Track 7 1 Dec 1978 / R. Beever under rock / PARATYPE Mecodema haunoho n. sp. design. by Seldon & Leschen 2010 ( NZAC); 9, NEW ZEA- LAND CL Little Barrier Is. Awaroa Stm 2007 D.S. Seldon / PARATYPE Mecodema haunoho n. sp. design. by Seldon & Leschen 2010 ( NZAC); 1, NEW ZEALAND CL Little Barrier Is. Awaroa Stm 2006 D.S. Seldon & M. Rayner / PARATYPE Mecodema haunoho n. sp. design. by Seldon & Leschen 2010 ( NZAC); 1, NEW ZEALAND CL Little Barrier Is. Valley Tk 2006 D.S. Seldon / PARATYPE Mecodema haunoho n. sp. design. by Seldon & Leschen 2010 ( NZAC).

Etymology. The name of this species was chosen from several names provided by the people of Ngati Manuhiri. The name haunoho is derived from hau, the site (Hauturu) and noho, which means ‘dwell, inhabit’.