Paropsisterna nigerrima

Description:

This beetle is identified by the elytral puncturation series, or by dissection. They are nocturnal and commonly found under loose bark of Eucalyptus during the daytime. They can be entirely black, brown or striped and all three varieties were found togwther at this location. A spotted variety occurs interstate. The striped variety, called 'alternata' is a mimic of Paropsisterna octolineata and possibly also Paropsisterna semivittata in Victoria. Since the model (octolineata) is a large beetle, the mimic (alternata) is larger, on average, than the other chromatic varieties of Paropsisterna nigerrima.