New Zealand geckos (Diplodactylidae): Cryptic diversity in a post-Gondwanan lineage with trans-Tasman affinities

We used a multi-gene approach to assess the phylogenetic relationships of New Zealand diplodactylid geckos to their Australian and New Caledonian relatives and to one another. Data from nuclear (RAG-1, PDC) and mitochondrial (ND2, 16S) genes from >180 specimens representing all 19 recognized New Zealand taxa and all but two of 20 putatively new species suggested by previous studies were analyzed using Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference. All analyses retrieved a monophyletic New Zealand clade, most closely related to the Australian Diplodactylidae exclusive of Pseudothecadactylus. Hoplodactylus is paraphyletic and composed of two morphological groups: a broad-toed clade, consisting of the island-restricted, largest extant species, Hoplodactylus duvaucelii, and the species-rich, wide-ranging Hoplodactylus maculatus clade; and a narrow-toed clade, comprising five monophyletic subgroups: Naultinus, the Hoplodactylus pacificus and Hoplodactylus granulatus clades, and the distinctive species Hoplodactylus rakiurae and Hoplodactylus stephensi. Each of these lineages is here recognized at the generic level. Our data support recognition of 16 new species (36 total), and five new or resurrected genera (seven total). The New Zealand diplodactylid radiation split from its Australian relatives 40.2mya (95% highest posterior density estimate 28.9-53.5), after the opening of the Tasman Sea. Their distribution cannot, therefore, be regarded as derived as a result of Gondwanana vicariance. The age of the New Zealand crown group, 24.4mya (95% highest posterior density estimate 15.5-33.8), encompasses the period of the 'Oligocene drowning' of New Zealand and is consistent with the hypothesis that New Zealand was not completely inundated during this period. Major lineages within New Zealand geckos diverged chiefly during the mid- to late Miocene, probably in association with a suite of geological and climatological factors that have characterized the region's complex history.     

Occurrence of the common wasp,Vespula vulgaris (L.) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in New Zealand

Abstract

After occurring sporadically in New Zealand since 1921, the common wasp, Vespula vulgaris (L.), was found in March and April 1983 to be established in Dunedin, where 6 nests were discovered. Subsequent examination of museum specimens showed that queens had been collected in Wellington in 1978, and nests by January 1982. Christchurch was invaded in early 1984, several workers were collected near Auckland in March and April 1984, and workers were reported at Nelson in March and May 1984. The Dunedin nests were up to 6 times the size of nests recorded from the Northern Hemisphere, and produced up to 23 times as many new queens. Workers, nest size, and nest productivity were sufficiently different from those reported in western North America to suggest that the New Zealand population originated elsewhere. Colour patterning of the head and pronotum readily separate New Zealand V. vulgaris from New Zealand V. germanica. The nest carton of V. vulgaris is brown; that of V. germanica is grey. Conditions in New Zealand appear to be favourable for V. vulgaris; it can be expected to spread and it may at times reach the high population levels experienced in Europe and the western United States.     

First record of Sitona discoideus Gyllenhal 1834 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Norfolk Island

Abstract

The first records of Sitona discoideus and Trifolium repens on Norfolk Island are reported. The identities of both species were confirmed using morphological criteria and nucleotide sequences. Sequence data from the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 of the Norfolk Island S. discoideus specimens were compared with 33 specimens from Australia, New Zealand and France. These data represent the first published sequences for S. discoideus, and suggest that Australia or New Zealand was the source of Norfolk Island's population. The implications of the introduction of S. discoideus to Norfolk Island are discussed.     

Hoplodactylus rakiurae n.sp. (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Stewart Island,New Zealand,and comments on the taxonomic status of Heteropholis nebulosus McCann

Abstract

Hoplodactylus rakiurae n.sp. is described, and some aspects of its ecology arc noted. It has enlarged apical plates on all digits, and is the most brightly coloured Hoplodactylus. Heteropholis nebulosus McCann, also from Stewart Island, is synonymised with Hoplodactylus granulatus (Gray), for which an updated synonymy is listed and discussed.     

A pseudodontorn (Pelecaniformes: Pelagornithidae) from the middle Pliocene of Hawera,Taranaki, New Zealand

Abstract

The distal portion of a right humerus and the proximal end of a radius, belonging to a ‘bony-toothed bird’ (family Pelagornithidae), were collected from marine sediments at Hawera, North Island, New Zealand, and are of Waipipian age (middle Pliocene). This is the first record of a pseudodontorn from the North Island, the third for New Zealand. These specimens extend the world geological time range for this family of extinct birds (previously early Eocene to late Miocene) into the middle Pliocene.     

New species of Halacaridae (Acari) from New Zealand

Abstract

Seven new taxa of marine mites (Halacaridae) are described from the marine littoral zone of northern and southern New Zealand: Agauopsis novaezelandiae, A. luxtoni, Halacarellus lubricus, Copidognathus lubricus, Simognathus glaber, S. glareus, and Rhombognathus novaezelandicus. A list of halacarid species known from New Zealand waters is added.     

A new genus of Aeolothripidae (Thysanoptera) from New Zealand and New Caledonia

Desmidothrips n.gen. is described from New Zealand, with walkerae n.sp. as type‐species. Aeolothrips inauditus Bianchi from New Caledonia is transferred to this new genus. Desmidothrips is related to the Australian genus Desmothrips, and is the only member of the Aeolothripidae native to New Zealand.     

A reappraisal of Athoracophorus bitentaculatus,with comments on the validity of genus Reflectopallium (Gastropoda: Athoracophoridae)

Abstract

The slug Athoracophorus bitentaculatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1832) is redescribed from material collected in the northern third of the North Island of New Zealand. Its anatomy is described and figured, local variation in the condition of the lateral grooves and mantle is figured, and supplementary information on its biology and distribution is given. Its identity and taxonomy are discussed in the context of earlier work on the species. Evidence is presented for the reduction of Reflectopallium Burton, 1963 to synonymy with Athoracophorus Gould, 1852. A revised key to New Zealand and subantarctic genera of Athoracophoridae is given.     

青海省新恙螨属一新种(蜱螨亚纲：恙螨科)

记述新恙螨属NeotrombiculaHirst ,192 5一新种 ,拟旱獭新恙螨Neotrombiculaparamarmotaesp .nov .,模式标本采自民和县的松田鼠PitymysireneThomas,1911体上。标本存放在青海省地方病防治研究所。量度单位均为 μm。     

The proper latin designation of Duvaucel’s gecko,with comments on specimens of historical note

Abstract

Duvaucel’s gecko is properly referred to as Hoplodactylus duvaucelii; other renderings of the specific epithet are incorrect. The existence of some historically important specimens of the species, including a newly rediscovered syntype, is noted.     

Unionicola (Pentatax) billieaehonore n. sp. a sponge-associated Hydracarina (Acari: Unionicolidae) from New Zealand

Abstract

Records of sponge-associated Hydracarina from the Southern Hemisphere are uncommon. Unionicola (Pentatax) billieaehonore n. sp. has been found in association with the freshwater sponge Ephydatia kakahuensis in Lake Rotoiti (North Island) and Lake Taupo in New Zealand. Differences in palpal characteristics and in setal patterns of the epimera distinguish this species from the holotype of Unionicola longiseta Walter 1915 which was reported from New Zealand by Schröder (1935).     

New records of Acropsopilio neozealandiae (Forster), and remarks on the sexual status of the species (Arachnida: Opiliones: Caddidae)

Abstract

Acropsopilio neozealandiae (Forster) is a tiny endemic New Zealand harvestman previously reported from seven localities. Extensive pitfall collecting in the southern half of the North Island and northern quarter of the South Island produced 70 individuals, from 42 locations, documenting its local distribution. The collection method is described fully, to assist future work. All specimens that could be confidently identified were female, so it seems likely that A. neozealandiae reproduces, at least within our study areas, by parthenogenesis—as do at least two of its congeners. Our specimens showed no obvious morphological variation over their range.     

Pselaphotumulus,a new genus of pselaphine endemic to New Zealand (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae: Pselaphitae)

ABSTRACT

Pselaphotumulus Owens and Carlton, gen. nov., is described as the sixth genus in the tribe Pselaphini known from New Zealand. Three new species are described: Pselaphotumulus aorerei, sp. nov., Pselaphotumulus dubius, sp. nov. and Pselaphotumulus unus, sp. nov.. Three species, Pselaphus cavelli (Broun 1893), Pselaphus oviceps (Broun 1917) and Pselaphus urquharti (Broun 1917) are transferred to Pselaphotumulus, nov. combs. Lectotypes from type series in the New Zealand Broun Collection (Natural History Museum, London) are designated for these three species. Habitus photographs, distributional maps and line drawings of diagnostic characters are provided for each species. A key to species is provided. Searches of museum collections have not yielded representatives outside of New Zealand, suggesting that this is the first endemic genus in the tribe Pselaphini described from the New Zealand’s main islands, specifically, the South Island. Pselaphotumulus species exhibit restricted distribution patterns that approximately coincide with the Pacific/Indo Australian Plate boundary.     

A new genus and species of deepwater codfish (Pisces: Moridae) from New Zealand

Abstract

Momonatira globosus, a new monotypic genus and species of Moridae, is described from five specimens taken in 1153–1184 m from South Canterbury Bight, New Zealand. Spindle shaped otoliths indicate affinities with genera within the Physiculus group. Momonatira is distinctive in having broad fleshy bases to the dorsal and anal fins; a very large globular head; no light organ or barbel; 5–6 rays in the ventral fin; the lower jaw included and in other characters.     

Host specificity of the ragwort flea beetle Longitarsus jacobaeae (Waterhouse) (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae)

Abstract

The ragwort flea beetle, Longitarsus jacobaeae, was tested for host specificity against representative species of native New Zealand Senecio. Adult feeding and oviposition tests were carried out under quarantine with and without a choice of host plants. Larval development was assessed using potted plants. It was concluded that L. jacobaeae is highly specific to Senecio jacobaea and that it is extremely unlikely to be damaging to native New Zealand Senecio species.     

Genetic and phenotypic variability in Stenoperla prasina (Newman, 1845) (Plecoptera: Eustheniidae) in relation to latitude and altitude in New Zealand

Genetic divergence, body size and variations in external genitalia of the stonefly Stenoperla prasina (Newman, 1845) (Plecoptera: Eustheniidae) were investigated using specimens from 46 locations throughout New Zealand. Sequencing of a 658-bp fragment of the mtCOI gene from 77 individuals collected at 26 locations identified 10 haplotypes, and three geographic haplotype networks. Maximum uncorrected genetic divergence found was 4.3%. Past isolation of populations in northern and southwestern New Zealand was suggested by variations in genitalia. No relationship was found between body size and latitude over the length of New Zealand. However, male or female size was correlated with either latitude or altitude in the North or South Islands, and with altitude on a North Island mountain. The relatively small number of haplotypes found could indicate that they are survivors of an event that caused a bottleneck.     

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.     

Larvae of chigger mites Neotrombicula spp. (Acari: Trombiculidae) exhibited Borrelia but no Anaplasma infections: a field study including birds from the Czech Carpathians as hosts of chiggers

Chigger mites were collected from 1,080 wild birds of 37 species at Certak (Czech Republic), in the western Carpathian Mountains, from 29 July to 24 September 2005. The prevalence of infestation with chigger larvae was 7%. A total of 325 chigger specimens from 10 bird species was identified and three chigger species were found: Neotrombicula autumnalis, N. carpathica, and N. inopinata, the latter two species being reported on new hosts. Neotrombicula carpathica is reported in the Czech Republic for the first time. A total of 509 chigger larvae found on 79 host specimens were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. DNA (fragments of the rrf (5S)—rrl (23S) intergenic spacer), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA (epank1 gene). A fragment of specific Borrelia DNA was amplified through PCR in one sample, and the PCR product was further analyzed by reverse line blotting assay, whereby both genospecies of B. garinii and B. valaisiana were proved. This sample pooled five chigger larvae collected from one Sylvia atricapilla on 11 August 2005. No A. phagocytophilum DNA was amplified. We conclude that larvae of the genus Neotrombicula can be infected with Borrelia genospecies originated from their present or former hosts.     

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 genera and species of Leptophlebiidae (Ephemeroptera) from New Zealand

Abstract

New genera Isothraulus, Arachnocolus, and Penniketellus are established for three species of leptophlebiid mayfly from New Zealand. Each genus is monotypic and endemic to New Zealand. Isothraulus and Arachnocolus are known only from the northern North Island, and Penniketellus is known only from the Arthur's Pass area of the central South Island. The male and female imago, nymph, and egg of Isothraulus abditus n.sp., the male imago, male subimago, and nymph of Arachnocolus phillipsi n.sp., and the male and female imago, female subimago, and egg of Penniketellus insolitus n.sp. are described. The relationships of each genus and the ecology of nymphs of each species are discussed.