Saphobiamorpha maoriana is a species of beetle endemic to New Zealand. It was first described by Albert E. Brookes in 1944. It has been collected in the Westland District and in Fiordland.
Taxonomy This species was first described by Albert Brookes in 1944 using specimens collected from a Kea carcass in high country tussock adjoining native forest. The holotype specimen is held at Te Papa.
Description
Brookes described this species as follows:
The adults of this species is flightless and have a length of 13 mm. They are black in colour. The elytra is flattened and slightly convex.
Distribution This species is endemic in New Zealand and as well as being observed in Westland, this species has also been observed at Secretary Island in Fiordland. As at 2002, this species has yet to be found in modified habitats.
References