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Story: Beetles

Ground beetle distribution

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Ground beetle distribution

This map shows the number of ground beetle species found in different parts of the country in 2004. Ground beetles (family Carabidae) are widely distributed throughout New Zealand. Of the 299 species living in the South Island, 209 are found nowhere else. Of the 201 North Island species, 111 species occur only there. Ninety species live on both islands.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Reference: Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

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How to cite this page

John Marris, Beetles – New Zealand’s beetles, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/map/14366/ground-beetle-distribution (accessed 8 June 2026).

Story by John Marris, published 1 March 2009.