Brullea antarctica

Coleoptera
Carabidae  : Broscinae  : Broscini


An endemic genus and species, which may be an offshoot of Mecodema or Metaglymma. The very large predatory carabid of the upper strand line of the shore and sand dunes around New Zealand where it burrows through the sand presumably feeding on any larvae, especially those of Odontria and Pericoptus. Although widespread along the western shores of NZ it is very seldom seen and may be subject to predation by rats and the degradation of the dunes by off-road vehicles and the general changes in the habitat through use by the increasing human population. Why it has not been found on the eastern shores is a total mystery!



Text updated: 9/06/2016