Paralissotes reticulatus

Paralissotes reticulatus
Illustrated by Des Helmore
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Lucanidae
Subfamily: Lucaninae
Genus: Paralissotes
Species: P. reticulatus
Binomial name
Paralissotes reticulatus
(Westwood, 1844)

Paralissotes reticulatus, also called the New Zealand reticulate stag beetle, is a native species of stag beetle from New Zealand.[1]

Description

Paralissotes reticulatus in the wild, Upper Hutt, New Zealand

Including mandibles, male beetles have a length of 12.7-21.8 mm; female beetles from 13.8-21.3 mm.The beetle ranges from small to medium-sized with a glossy black exoskeleton. The reticulate name has its origin in the reticulate pattern of depressed scaly areas and non-scaly areas. Its head is widest in front of the eyes. Male and female beetles have similar sized mandibles. Like other Paralissotes species, this beetle has vestigial wings.[2]

Distribution

Paralissotes reticulatus is the most widespread species in its genus, having been collected from the Bay of Plenty to South Canterbury. It is found from near sea level to an altitude of about 950m.[2]

Ecology

Like other stag beetles, adult Paralissotes reticulatus has been collected from underneath the decaying logs of native trees. The larvae are found inside rotting wood in an advanced state of decay. Like other Paralissotes species, this beetle is mostly seen at night, but may be seen during the day during wet conditions. [2]

References

  1. ↑ "Native New Zealand Reticulate Stag Beetle". Nature's Pic Images. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 Holloway, B.A. "Lucanidae (Insecta: Coleoptera)" (PDF). Landcare New Zealand. Landcare Research. p. 109. Retrieved 27 November 2016.


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