Carabidbeetlethatpreferstrees

• Published date: 21 January 2023
• Publication title: Mix, The

Such transparent patches are rarely seen on New Zealand beetles and it is hard to imagine what their function could be. This beetle, a native species, is Agonocheila antipodum (Carabidae; Harpalinae, Lebiini)

Many typical carabid beetles are ground-dwelling predators that prefer high relative humidity and hide during the day on moist soil under logs. (There are exceptions, such as the tiger beetles [Cicindelinae] which run over bare ground during the day in sunlight, taking short flights).

Agonocheila antipodum, however, is a tree-dweller, often found during the day sheltering under the loose bark of trees or in rotten branches. It is native to both New Zealand and Australia (mainland and Tasmania).

An exceptional climber, it can run rapidly up tree-trunks.

In New Zealand, it occurs from sea level to the alpine zone, in moist forests (broadleaf, podocarp, beech), tree plantations (pine, eucalypt, willow), scrublands, fields, fell-lands, farms and gardens. It is sometimes found in bird nests.

It is...