Mecodema dux

Mecodema dux is a medium-bodied New Zealand endemic ground beetle that is found in the Ruahine Ranges, Taupo, Rangitikei and southwestern Hawke's Bay entomological regions.

Diagnosis
Distinguished from other North Island Mecodema species by:


 * 1) the overall pronotal shape being ovate;
 * 2) numerous punctures between pronotal foveae;
 * 3) elytral striae 1–4 with obsolescent punctures, striae 5–8 with punctures more impressed;
 * 4) the distinctive shape of the apical portion of the penis lobe.

Description
Length 19–24 mm, pronotal width 5–6 mm, elytral width 6–7.1 mm. Colour of entire body dark reddish-brown to matte black, coxae and legs reddish-brown.

Natural History
A flightless and nocturnal predator of a variety of invertebrates on the forest floor.

Further research is required.