Critter of the Week: Herbivorous alpine beetle

This week's critter is the Protodendrophagus antipodes or Herbivorous alpine beetle. Up until recently this beetle was thought to be rare then it was found somewhere unexpected - living an alpine existence along much of the length of the South Island mountains. 

P antipodes adult form. Credit: John Marris, Lincoln University

P antipodes larval form on lichen. Credit: John Marris, Lincoln University

P antipodes larval form. Credit: John Marris, Lincoln University