Protura in native and exotic forests in the North Island of New Zealand

Abstract

This study provides data on population and community ecology of Protura in native forests and Pinus radiata plantations in New Zealand. Abundance, age structure, sex ratios, biodiversity, and relationship with soil chemistry are discussed. Protura were significantly more abundant in pine plantations in comparison to native forests. Among native forests, Protura were most abundant under Southern beech (Nothofagus solandri). The abundance patterns may reflect the association between Protura and fungal communities in the soil. No correlation was found between soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorous, pH, cation exchange capacity, and the density of Protura. Protura assemblage composition was significantly related to forest type. New Zealand endemic species were associated with native forests; species with distribution outside New Zealand dominated in pine plantations. The distribution records within New Zealand were expanded for five species. The Protura fauna of New Zealand was increased to 18 species. Berberentulus capensis, Eosentomon australicum and Australentulus tillyardi are new records for New Zealand fauna.     

The prevalence and species richness of spiders associated with marine strandlines on different shore types around Banks Peninsula,New Zealand

ABSTRACT

Marine strandlines provide habitat for a variety of littoral and terrestrial invertebrates, including arachnids. In this study we recorded spiders in strandlines at 35 sites on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. On average, only 1.5 named species were recorded per thirty-minute hand search, and many sample visits (30%) recorded no spiders. Species accumulation curves suggested further species could be recorded with further sampling, but these may be tourist species rather than strandline residents. Thirty-eight species were recorded in total, with the introduced theridiid Steatoda capensis being the most common (30 records) and widespread (17 locations). The New Zealand endemic species Otagoa nova (25 records) (Toxopidae), Anoteropsis litoralis (15) and Anoteropsis hilaris (15) (Lycosidae), and the introduced Tenuiphantes tenuis (24) (Linyphiidae), were also common. Spiders were more frequent in strandlines on boulder beaches compared with shingle beaches, although there was no statistical differences in the numbers of species recorded on the different beach types.     

Deltocephalinae of New Zealand (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

The subfamily Deltocephalinae is represented in New Zealand by 3 tribes, 9 genera, and 20 species, of which 3 genera and 13 species are new to science. All taxa are described, and keys are given for their separation. Three of the genera are endemic, 3 are Australian, 2 are Holarctic, and 1 is cosmopolitan. Nesoclutha and Macrosteles are recorded in New Zealand for the first time, and the presence of Deltocephalus is authenticated. Fourteen species are endemic, 4 are Australian, 1 is widespread in the Pacific area, and 1 is Holarctic. Nesoclutha pallida, Macrosteles fieberi, and Deltocephalus hospes are recorded in New Zealand for the first time.     

Two unusual species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Physalacria</Emphasis> (Basidiomycetes,Agaricales) collected in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea during mycological expeditions by the National Science Museum,Tokyo

Two unusual species of Physalacria from New Zealand and Papua New Guinea are described and illustrated. Physalacria pseudotropica from South Island in New Zealand and P. tropica from Papua New Guinea are recorded for the first time.     

Association of Entomopathogenic Fungi with Exotic Bark Beetles in New Zealand Pine Plantations

Hylastes ater and Hylurgus ligniperda are introduced pests of re-established Pinus radiata in New Zealand. Both species breed under the bark of stumps in recently harvested areas. Adult maturation feeding on pine seedlings planted in adjacent areas can significantly impact seedling growth, and in severe cases seedlings will die. Entomopathogenic fungi are important natural mortality factors in bark beetle populations, and Beauveria spp. are predominant. Here, we report on the isolation of other fungal species from H. ater in New Zealand. Based on morphological characteristics and sequencing data, two species, Metarhizium flavoviride var. pemphigi and Hirsutella guignardii, were recovered from H. ater. Both are new records for New Zealand and appear to be the first records of these species from bark beetles worldwide.     

New records of Conidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from the New Zealand region

Abstract

Conus howelli Iredale is recorded from New Zealand. C. howelli and C. raoulensis Powell are considered to be very closely related, and Kermasprella Powell is thus probably a svnonvm of Endemoconus Iredale. C. teramachii (Kuroda) and C. smirna Bartsch ' Rehder are recorded from off northern New Zealand, and the known range of C. kermadecensis Iredale is extended southward.     

New records of aphid hosts of Entomophthora aphidis and E. planchoniana in New Zealand

Examination of diseased aphids from the Christchurch area of New Zealand during summer 1974 established new records of Entomophthora aphidis and E. planchoniana attacking Macrosiphum hellebori and E. planchoniana parasitising Aulacorthum solani, plus the first record for New Zealand of E. aphidis infecting Myzus persicae.     

The rotifer fauna of Lake Kud-Thing,a shallow lake in Nong Khai Province,northeast Thailand

The species composition of the rotifer fauna of Lake Kud-Thing, Nong Khai Province, northeast Thailand was investigated in a monthly sampling program from January to December 1998. A remarkably rich rotifer community consisting of 183 taxa was recorded, including 32 new records to the Thai fauna. The most diverse genera were Lecane (23.5%), followed by Trichocerca (16.9%) and Lepadella (11.5%). Lecane isanensis n. sp. is described and figured. Thirteen species (Aspelta circinator, Collotheca tenuilobata, Lecane nelsoni, Lepadella benjamini, Lepadella eurysterna, Sinantherina ariprepes, Testudinella cf. insinuata, Trichocerca abilioi, Trichocerca inermis, Trichocerca montana, Trichocerca orca, Trichocerca rosea and Trichocerca simonei) are new to the Oriental region. Notably, the record of Trichocerca orca is the first since its discovery in New Zealand in 1913. The rotifers can be classified into three groups based on duration of appearance; (1) common, perennial; (2) uncommon, perennial; and (3) uncommon, sporadic species. The high species richness of rotifers, particularly members of the genera Lecane and Trichocerca, but low diversity of Brachionus together suggest that the lake is probably not eutrophicated.     

Eulimid gastropods parasitic on echinoderms in the New Zealand region

Abstract

Eulimindae (Prosobranchia) of the New Zealand region that parasitise echinoderms are recorded and discussed. Fuscapex ophioacanthicola n.gen. & sp. is parasitic on Ophioacantha sp., Ophieulima fuscoapicata n.sp. is a parasite of Ophioactis profundi Lütken & Mortensen, Punctifera ophiomoefrae n.gen. & sp. lives partly buried among the radial shields of Ophiomoeris projecta Matsumato, and Stilapex sp. is recorded, but not described, from Ophiothrix oliveri Benham (all hosts ophiuroids). Stilifer sp. lives in galls in an undescribed oreasterid (Asteroidea). Annulobalcis marshalli n.sp. is described from Crotalometra rustica (A. H. Clark) (Crinoidea). Eulima infrapatula Murdoch & Suter is transferred to Sabinella Monterosato and recorded from Ogmocidaris benhami Mortensen; Fusceulima goodingi n.sp. is described from Centrostephanus rodgersi (A. Agassiz) (both hosts echinoids). Two earlier records of sea urchin parasites from New Zealand are discussed, and the species are referred to Pelseneeria.     

Distribution and movements of Buller's albatross (Diomedea bulleri) in Australasian seas

Abstract

The distribution and movements of Buller's albatross in Australasian seas are analysed using results of shipborne surveys (13 238 10‐min counts), counts from trawlers, banding data, recoveries on beaches and fishing vessels, and records from the literature. Patterns of marine distribution are documented by monthly accounts and maps. During the breeding season, highest abundances are recorded over shelves and slopes off southern New Zealand (The Snares shelf to 41–43°S off the South Island, D. b. bulleri), around the Chatham Islands and over oceanic subtropical waters east of New Zealand (probably D. b. platei), with marked seasonal variations observed off southern New Zealand. Both subspecies disperse mostly outside Australasian waters during the non‐breeding season. Birds banded on The Snares were recovered off south‐eastern New Zealand (Stewart Island to Cook Strait) and in the eastern tropical Pacific. Immatures accounted for only 0.25% of birds censused during the ship‐borne surveys; they are recorded around the New Zealand mainland in August‐October and February‐May, off south‐eastern Australia and in the Tasman Sea in November‐December, February, and June‐July. Around New Zealand, males predominate among birds recovered along the eastern seaboard, whereas the sex ratio in south‐western waters tends to vary according to water depth and season. Distribution patterns and movements in New Zealand and Australian seas are discussed in relation to breeding events and breeding status.     

A review of the New Zealand Chirostylidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) with description of six new species from the Kermadec Islands

Prior to the present study, seven species of deep‐sea Chirostylidae (‘squat lobsters’), were known from New Zealand: Gastroptychus novaezelandiae, Uroptychodes spinimarginatus, Uroptychus australis, Uroptychus maori, Uroptychus novaezelandiae, Uroptychus politus, and Uroptychus tomentosus. All species are examined from type material and discussed, original illustrations supplemented, and new records provided where available. Uroptychus maori and Uroptychus novaezelandiae are re‐described. The chirostylid fauna of the Kermadec Islands, a remote group of islands north‐east of New Zealand, is studied. Uroptychus alcocki and Uroptychus scambus are reported for the first time from New Zealand, and six new species of the genus Uroptychus are described. Distributional patterns of New Zealand species are discussed and a key to New Zealand Uroptychus species is presented. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 155 , 542–582.     

New records of anglerfishes (Antennariidae) from New Zealand

Abstract

Three species of anglerfish, Histrio histrio, Antennarius ocellatus, and A. nummifer, are newly recorded from northern New Zealand waters. A. tridens is redescribed, and variations in its colour pattern are illustrated.     

On the occurrence of Lymnaea auricularia (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) in New Zealand

Abstract

The occurrence in New Zealand of Lymnaea auricularia (L.) is recorded for the first time, and its status world-wide is briefly discussed, with particular reference to its role in economic parasitology. The lymnaeid fauna of New Zealand is briefly reviewed.     

New species of Euptyctima (Acari,Oribatida) from New Zealand

Abstract

Oribotritia contortula n. sp., O. contraria n. sp., O. teretis n. sp., Rhysotritia bifurcata n. sp., Microtritia contraria n. sp., M. glabrata n. sp., Hoplophthiracarus bisulcus n. sp., Austrophthiracarus pulchellus n. sp., and Notophthiracarus claviger n. sp. are described from New Zealand.

The genera of Oribotritia Jacot, Rhysotritia Märkel & Meyer, Hoplophthiracarus Jacot, and Austrophthiracarus Balogh & Mahunka are new records for New Zealand.     

Nematode vectors of plant viruses in New Zealand

Abstract

A survey of virus vector nematodes based on a total of 320 published and recent records revealed that 3 Longidorus, 1 Paralongidorus, 6 Xiphinema, 2 Trichodoms, and 3 Paratrichodorus species are present in New Zealand. Xiphinema diversicaudatum and Paratrichodorus minor are the most common and widespread species. Longidorus orongorongensis, an undescribed Paralongidorus species and Trichodoms cottieri appear to be endemic species, and Longidorus taniwha, Paratrichodorus lobatus and probably one (still unidentified) species of the X. americanum group are also indigenous to New Zealand. Most of the other species (e.g. Longidorus elongatus, X. diversicaudatum, and Trichodoms primitivus) were probably introduced from Europe. Maps showing the distribution of the 15 species in New Zealand, and illustrations and tables of the morphological characters for species identification, are presented. Several species are of economic importance through direct damage they cause to cultivated plants, and all can be considered potential vectors of plant viruses.     

New species and records of Stigmaeidae (Acari: Prostigmata) from New Zealand - ID. Genus Stigmaeus Koch

Abstract

Stigmaeus arboricola, S. montanus, S. luxtoni, and S. novazealandicus are described as new species, and the larva of S. loadmani is described. Several new records are noted, and a key is given to the New Zealand species of Stigmaeus.     

Tripterygiid Fishes of New Caledonia, with Zoogeographical Remarks

The Tripterygiidae of New Caledonia are revised and their zoogeographical relationships discussed. A total of 27 species is recognized from the territory; three species are recorded from New Caledonia for the first time [Enneapterygius howensis Fricke, 1997; Enneapterygius rhabdotus Fricke, 1994; Helcogramma trigloides (Bleeker, 1858)]. From Grande Terre, 26 species are known, with four species recorded for the first time. Seven species occur at the Ile des Pins (all new records); from the Chesterfield Islands, six species of tripterygiid fishes have been recorded; and from the Loyalty Islands, 17 species are known, with three species recorded from the island group for the first time: 15 species from Ouvéa, 11 species from Lifou (eight new records) and five species from Maré (three new records).     

Revision of New Zealand Orthotylinae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Miridae)

Abstract

Six genera and 11 species of Orthotylinae are now known from New Zealand. Zanchius Distant is newly recorded. One new genus, Tridiplous, and seven new species of endemic New Zealand Orthotylini are described and illustrated. Four new species are described in Tridiplous: T. burrus, T. parvapiatus, T. penmani, and T. virens, and three new species are described in Zanchius: Z. ater, Z. rubicrux, and Z. totus. Keys are provided to identify New Zealand taxa of the tribes of Orthotylinae, genera and species of Halticini, genera of Orthotylini, and species of Tridiplous and Zanchius. The bugs are illustrated with colour habitus photos, and drawings including male and female genitalia. Economic importance is discussed.     

Distribution and abundance of zooplankton in the Waikato River,New Zealand

Potamoplankton is often a well developed component in large lowland rivers, yet little is known about its structure in New Zealand's longest river, the Waikato River. To redress this gap we sampled bimonthly at seven sites along the length of the river over 12 months. Rotifers were the dominant zooplankton in the Waikato River making up 85% of the total densities. Cladocerans represented 9% and copepods only 6%. Rotifers were also the most taxonomically rich group with 41 species in 20 genera identified throughout the study. Thirty rotifer species and nine genera represent new records for the river – two cladoceran species were also recorded for the first time. The highest densities of crustaceans and rotifers were found in the hydro lakes. Densities of crustaceans decreased with increasing distance downstream and densities of rotifers were on average 15 times greater than crustaceans in the lower river. The seasonality of Crustacea was similar to that in New Zealand lakes and rivers with high densities in summer and minimum densities over the winter period. Total rotifer densities showed a similar trend although there were marked seasonal differences between individual species.