Te Mata beetle

Mecodema temata

Te Mata beetle

LOCATION: Native to New Zealand and endemic to Te Mata Peak.

DESCRIPTION: A black carabid or ground beetle, from the carnivorous Carabidae family. New Zealand has 445 Carabidae species, 409 of which are found nowhere else (Te Ara).

BEHAVIOUR: Ground beetles are known for their long legs and powerful mandibles which enable them to be voracious predators. The adult beetles hunt primarily on the soil surface, but will occasionally climb into the foliage in search of food. In addition to the adults being beneficial predators, the burrowing larvae of these beetles seek out and feed on pests in the soil. Many ground beetle species have broad feeding habits, eating not only other insects but also seeds of plants (including weeds). (eOrganic)