Amarotypus edwardsii

Coleoptera
Carabidae  : Scaratinae  : Amarotypini


There are some 40 species of the carabid supertribe Migadopitae (formerly the tribe Migadopini) in New Zealand; some are still undescribed and these form about quarter the world's fauna. They are found in cool temperate to cold southern forests and many are confined to subalpine to alpine environments (see also species of Calathosoma, Loxomerus and Taenarthrus). Amarotypus edwardsii is the most common of all species in New Zealand and is found throughout the country - the only species of the group in the North Island - primarily in Nothofagus forests and less so in other forest or shrubland vegetation. Although common and often abundant it is seldom seen as it comes out and feeds at night, scuttling through the fissures, moss and lichens on tree trunks searching for small insects and especially their larvae. Its own larval stages are yet to be found and recognised. There are possibly three other species of the genus.



Text updated: 30/10/2010