Holcaspis
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| Holcaspis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Adephaga |
| Family: | Carabidae |
| Subfamily: | Pterostichinae |
| Tribe: | Pterostichini |
| Subtribe: | Pterostichina |
| Genus: | Holcaspis Chaudoir, 1865 |
| Type species | |
| Holcaspis angustula (Chaudoir, 1865) | |
Holcaspis is a genus of beetles in the family Carabidae, endemic to New Zealand.
The genus was originally proposed by Chaudoir in 1865,[1] with a large number of species added by Thomas Broun in the late 19th century and early 20th century.[2][3] The genus was revised by Everard Britton in 1940,[4] and most recently by Michael Butcher in 1984,[5] with several species added by Peter Johns in 2003.[6] A phylogenetic analysis by Hanboonsong generally agreed with Butcher's species list, but found that H. oedicnema displayed an unusual amount of genetic variation and is probably a species complex.[7]
Description
Holcaspis beetles are black ground beetles, ranging between 10–26 mm in length. The mentum has deep pits on either side, and the labrum has six setae. The head has a variable H-shaped impression between the eyes. All species are flightless, with fused elytra. Species are distinguished by their patterns of setae, grooves, and punctures, and features of the male genitalia, as much as by size as shape.[5]
Holcaspis adults are most commonly found in summer (November to March), but some have been trapped over winter, suggesting they live two years or more like other long-lived carabids.[8] Several species have been observed being reproductively active over summer. Female:male sex ratios range from 1:0.8 to 1:3.4.[9]
