New-zealand-exotic

Guides

• Anisodactylus binotatus

  common shortspur beetle

  A medium-sized ground beetle native to Europe, introduced to New Zealand in 1938 where it has become widely established. Adults measure 10–12.7 mm with distinctive shiny black coloration and a characteristic red spot (or paired spots) on the frons between the eyes. The species exhibits flight capability and has proven to be an exceptionally successful colonist, thriving in both natural and anthropogenic habitats including cultivated fields and urban environments.

  ground-beetleintroduced-speciesgranivoreflight-capableNew-Zealand-exoticagricultural-habitatnocturnal