The genus Mecodema Blanchard 1853 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Broscini) from the North Island, New Zealand

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4598 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
DAVID S. SELDON F.L.S. ◽  
THOMAS R. BUCKLEY
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
The North ◽  
Island Species ◽  
Taxonomic Framework ◽  
Species Descriptions

Mecodema (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Broscini) is a hyperdiverse endemic New Zealand genus of ground beetles with only a few geographically widespread species found throughout the two main islands, as well as many offshore islands. Using specimens from a number of private and institutional collections, in addition new specimens were acquired by extensive pitfall trapping, we describe or redescribe all of the known North Island Mecodema species. Additionally, we redescribe three South Island species from the former genus Metaglymma, as morphological evidence shows that these species are nested within Mecodema. Species descriptions are formed by using 128 morphological characters, which include external characters, as well as both male and female internal structures. There are four new combinations: Mecodema antarctica comb. n., M. aberrans comb. n., M. moniliferum comb. n. and M. tibiale comb. n. We synonymise M. occiputale under Mecodema curvidens, and M. sulcatum under Mecodema oblongum, and reinstate M. scitulum Broun (northwest Hunua Range, Auckland). Twenty four new species are described: Mecodema argentum sp. n., M. atuanui sp. n., M. dunnorum sp. n., M. genesispotini sp. n., M. godzilla sp. n., M. jacinda sp. n., M. kipjac sp. n., M. kokoroiho sp. n., M. mohi sp. n., M. ngaiatonga sp. n., M. ngaitahuhu sp. n., M. papake sp. n., M. perexiguus sp. n., M. rusticulus sp. n., M. temata sp. n., M. teparawhau sp. n., M. teroroa sp. n., M. tewhara sp. n., M. tuhoe sp. n., M. undecimus sp. n., M. wharekahika sp. n., M. xylanthrax sp. n., M. yconomus sp. n., M. zonula sp. n. North Island regional species endemism is very high in Northland (15/16 endemic species), with species becoming more widespread in the southern regions, e.g. Wellington only has two endemic species from a total of eight species. This research increases the total number of described Mecodema species to 102, and will allow a modern taxonomic framework for completion of the revision of the South Island species.

Review of the Paraplea Esaki & China (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Nepomorpha: Pleidae) of Australia, with description of a new species

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4985 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-90
Author(s):  
JERRY L. COOK
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Southeastern Part ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Widespread Distribution ◽  
The Family ◽  
Species Being ◽  
A New Species

The family Pleidae is represented in Australia only by members of the genus Paraplea. Paraplea brunni (Kirkaldy, 1898) has a widespread distribution in Australia and is also known from New Guinea. Paraplea halei (Lundblad, 1933) appears to be an endemic species occurring only in the southeastern part of Australia. The widespread species P. liturata (Fieber, 1844) occurs in Australia but only in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The description of P. bifurcata n. sp. documents a fourth pleid species, being known only from the Northern Territory. Paraplea bifurcata n. sp. is easily differentiated from other species of Paraplea by having a bifurcated abdominal keel. An identification key and discussion of morphological characters of the four species of Paraplea from Australia is given. 

Phylogenetic revision of the endemic New Zealand carabid genus OregusPutzeys (Coleoptera : Carabidae : Broscini)

2003 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 625 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Pawson ◽  
R. M. Emberson ◽  
K. F. Armstrong ◽  
A. M. Paterson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Morphological Analysis ◽  
Nadh Dehydrogenase ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Basal Clade ◽  
Upper South ◽  
Phylogenetic Revision ◽  
Northern Species

This study explores the taxonomy and phylogeny of the New Zealand endemic carabid beetle genus Oregus. The genus was previously known from two species, Oregus aereus, which is widespread throughout the South Island, and Oregus inaequalis, which is highly restricted in its distribution (only found on the outskirts of Dunedin City) and prioritised as a category B threatened species by the Department of Conservation. Both morphology and mitochondrial DNA sequences were used for phylogenetic analysis. Twenty-six DNA sequences of partial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 were analysed. Analyses indicated four species – the existing O. aereus and O. inaequalis and two new morphologically cryptic species from the upper South Island, O. crypticus and O. septentrionalis. Oregus crypticus and O. septentrionalis form a basal clade and O. aereus is the most derived species. Oregus aereus remains the most widespread species, but the northern limit of its geographical range is now Porters Pass (approximately 150 km south of its historically assigned range). Male genitalic characters proved to be the most useful morphological characters. Oregus crypticus and O. septentrionalis are easily separated from O. aereus and O. inaequalis by external morphology. Differentiation between the two northern species was only possible by dissection of male genitalia or DNA sequencing. Oregus inaequalis remains highly restricted in its distribution (morphological analysis did not identify any new populations) and its species status is confirmed. Redescriptions are given for O. aereus and O. inaequalis and new descriptions and type designations are presented for O. crypticus and O. septentrionalis.

Re-evaluating species limits in Uncinia angustifolia, U. caespitosa s.str., U. rupestris, U. viridis and U. zotovii (Cyperaceae)

2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 405 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Lehnebach
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Species Limits ◽  
Multivariate Statistic ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Grassland Species ◽  
Taxonomic History ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
New Synonymy ◽  
Current Species

Morphology of New Zealand hook sedges Uncinia angustifolia Hamlin, U. rupestris Raoul and U. zotovii Hamlin overlaps considerably, making species identification difficult. All three species have a complicated taxonomic history. U. angustifolia has been considered a variety of U. rupestris, which, in turn, has been considered a variety of U. caespitosa Boot or included in two other species. As for U. zotovii, this was originally part of U. caespitosa along with the grassland species U. viridis (C.B.Clarke) Edgar. The present study re-examines historical and recently collected material, and re-evaluates species limits for these five species using multivariate statistic analyses of morphological characters. Results confirm the circumscription of U. caespitosa s.str. and the segregation of U. viridis and U. zotovii from U. caespitosa s.lat., but they also indicate that current species descriptions are inaccurate and based on material of mixed identity. Results also suggest that U. angustifolia, U. rupestris and U. zotovii should be considered as three different species. U. viridis and U. rupestris are conspecific; the latter name has priority and should be maintained. An identification key, revised descriptions, new synonymy and distribution maps for the species recognised here are also presented.

Diets and Reproductive Phenologies of the Introduced Ground Beetles Harpalus-Affinis and Clivina-Australasiae (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in New-Zealand

1995 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
KD Sunderland ◽  
GL Lovei ◽  
J Fenlon
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
North America ◽  
Community Assembly ◽  
Ground Beetles ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Assembly Rules ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
The North ◽  
Translocation Experiments ◽  
Biocontrol Potential

The diet and reproductive periods of Harpalus affinis (= Harpalus aeneus) and Clivina australasiae, collected by pitfall trapping from graminaceous and legume crops at four sites on the North Island of New Zealand, were determined by dissection. H. affinis was predominantly phytophagous, with a liking for weed seeds; its main animal foods were Aphididae and Diptera. Females were gravid in spring (September-November) and summer (December-February) whilst tenerals were found mainly in autumn (March-May). Diet and phenology were similar in New Zealand, Europe and North America. C. australasiae was a polyphagous carnivore, consuming 11 categories of animal food (the most frequent being Enchytraeidae and Lumbricidae) and six categories of plant food. Females contained eggs from August to March. The food and reproductive period of C. australasiae in New Zealand were similar to those previously reported for Clivina fossor in Europe and North America. Overall, both species are considered likely to play a beneficial role in New Zealand agriculture. Opportunities are identified to study further the biocontrol potential and role in ecosystem function (e.g. community assembly rules) of these species, by means of translocation experiments.

Giant squid beaks: implications for systematics

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.A.C. Roeleveld
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Systematic Position ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
The North ◽  
Lower Beak ◽  
Giant Squid ◽  
The North Atlantic

The systematic position of the giant squid Architeuthis remains unresolved but comparison of beak morphometrics is an approach that has not been attempted before. Additional data for the relationship between mantle length (ML) and lower beak rostral length (LRL) suggest that Architeuthis sp. in the North Atlantic, South Africa and New Zealand are parts of the same asymptotic relationship. Comparison of beak dimensions of Architeuthis from the North Atlantic, South Africa and New Zealand with those of two distinct species of Todarodes, from the Mediterranean and southern Africa, indicate that there may be only one species of Architeuthis in these three regions. No consistent morphological evidence has yet been found to indicate more than one species of Architeuthis in the Atlantic or in the southern hemisphere.

Genetic Identity and Diversity of Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) in Its Native and Invaded Ranges

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
John F. Gaskin ◽  
Mark Schwarzländer ◽  
Hariet L. Hinz ◽  
Livy Williams ◽  
Esther Gerber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Genetic Data ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Native Range ◽  
The North ◽  
Length Polymorphisms ◽  
Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
Current Species

AbstractPerennial pepperweed is an invasive plant species in North America, native to temperate Eurasia and northern Africa. Effective biological control depends upon correct taxonomic identification. Therefore, we investigated morphological and genetic data (cpDNA sequences and amplified fragment length polymorphisms [AFLP]) in its native range, where the species is at times treated as multiple taxa (L. latifolium, L. affine and L. obtusum). We also analyzed genetic data to determine the number and distribution of haplotypes and genotypes in the invaded range. Using Bayesian analysis, we found three clusters of AFLP genotypes in the native range, but little correlation between these clusters and morphological characters used to distinguish taxa. Also, we found combinations of morphological character states within many native range plants that are incompatible with current species descriptions, offering no support for splitting L. latifolium sensu lato into three species. In North America 97% of the genetic variation was among populations and there were only eight AFLP genotypes in 288 plants, suggesting few introductions or a severe bottleneck, and little or no creation of new genotypes since introduction. We found plants in the native range that are genetically similar (88 to 99%) to six of the eight invasive AFLP genotypes, suggesting that Kazakhstan and China are origins for much of the North American invasion.

A review of the moss bug genus Xenophyes (Hemiptera: Coleorrhyncha: Peloridiidae) from New Zealand: systematics and biogeography

Zootaxa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2923 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
DANIEL BURCKHARDT ◽  
ESTÉE BOCHUD ◽  
JAKOB DAMGAARD ◽  
GEORGE W. GIBBS ◽  
VIKTOR HARTUNG ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Canonical Variate ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
The North ◽  
Variate Analysis ◽  
Width Measurements ◽  
North And South ◽  
Important Structure

The moss bug genus Xenophyes from New Zealand is revised. Six species are recognised, four of which are described as new: X. adelphus, X. goniomus, X. metoponcus, and X. rhachilophus. The synonymy of Xenophyes forsteri with X. cascus is confirmed. Illustrated descriptions and identification keys are provided for the adult and the last instar. The male aedeagus is recognised as the most important structure to diagnose species. Other useful morphological characters include body shape, head, pronotum, and tegmina expressed as length and width measurements. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows that five species are well separated from each other, but X. goniomus greatly overlaps with X. cascus, X. kinlochensis, and X. rhachilophus. There is also broad morphometric overlap between North Island and South Island specimens of X. cascus, confirming their conspecificity. Results from a Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) determined which morphometric characters are most suitable for use in keys and descriptions. X. cascus is the only species occurring on both the North and South Islands. Other species are restricted to the South Island.

On Macrothrix agsensis Dumont, Silva-Briano & Babu, 2002 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Macrothricidae), with description of the male and ephippial females, and comments on the distribution of the genus in Mexico

Zootaxa ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 1632 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
TANIA GARFIAS-ESPEJO ◽  
MANUEL ELÍAS-GUTIÉRREZ ◽  
MARCELO SILVA-BRIANO
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
South America ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Central Plateau ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Southern Limit ◽  
Old World ◽  
The North ◽  
Female Antenna ◽  
Distal Lobe

The Macrothrix rosea-triserialis group of species (Cladocera: Macrothricidae) is characterized by (1) a well developed postabdomen heel; (2) rows of strong spines on preanal margin of postabdomen and (3) scraper 5 of limb II with enlarged subapical teeth. Macrothrix agsensis, a member of this group, was recently described from the Mexican Central Plateau based on parthenogenetic females only. It is characterized by five rows of long spines in the female antenna I, and five thick spines on setae 4–5 of endite 2 of limb I. Here we describe its ephippial females and males, as well as development of the latter. The ephippium is strongly chitinized, with a special ornamentation in the form of hexagonal cells. The male is characterized by peculiar groups of long and short spinules in the anterior half of the antenna I, three furrows with spinules on the male copulatory hook on limb I, and a longer seta in the outer distal lobe, armed with bean-like projections. With regard to the known distribution of Macrothrix in Mexico, it is now feasible to consider the existence of four possible endemic species in this region: Macrothrix mexicanus, M. agsensis, M. sierrafriatiensis and M. marthae. All of them, except the last one, are restricted to the Central Plateau. Another species, Macrothrix smirnovi, was described from Mexico and later found in Sacramento (USA). Among the widespread species are Macrothrix elegans and M. spinosa, the former one of the most common macrothricids in the Neotropics. It shows a northern distributional limit at the northwest of Mexico and it is possible to find it from north to south. Macrothrix hirsuticornis, restricted to North America has a southern limit in the north. Macrotrhix spinosa is found from north to south of Mexico, but its distribution range extends to South America. Other old records are doubtful, such as Macrothrix triserialis, M. rosea and M. laticornis, because they seem to be restricted to the old world.

The squat lobster genus Phylladiorhynchus Baba, 1969 in New Zealand and eastern Australia, with description of six new species

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4688 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
KAREEN E. SCHNABEL ◽  
SHANE T. AHYONG
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Squat Lobster ◽  
Australian Species ◽  
Tasman Sea ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data

The small galatheid squat lobster genus Phylladiorhynchus currently contains five species, three of which supposedly have wide Indo-Pacific distributions. To date, two putatively widespread species, P. pusillus and P. integrirostris have been recorded from New Zealand and Australian waters. Here, we review the New Zealand and eastern Australian species of Phylladiorhynchus based on extensive collections from the region using morphological and molecular data. The type species, P. pusillus (Henderson, 1885) (type locality: Twofold Bay, Australia) is redescribed and shown to occur on both sides of the Tasman Sea. Phylladiorhynchus integrirostris, for which the original Hawaiian type material has been lost, is redescribed based on a neotype and shown not to occur in New Zealand or Australian waters, previous records being referable to other species. Six new species of Phylladiorhynchus are described. Seven species of Phylladiorhynchus are now known from New Zealand and eastern Australia. A key to all species of the genus is provided. Results of the present study show that the regional diversity of Phylladiorhynchus is significantly higher than previously reported and demonstrates the utility of a number of subtle morphological characters as diagnostic of species. 

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