Brian H. Patrick

Use of artificial cover objects for detecting red katipo, Latrodectus katipo Powell (Araneae: Theridiidae)

Introduction Katipo are endemic widow spiders belonging to the genus Latrodectus (Theridiidae), a genus notorious for the dangerous bites of adult females. Latrodectus has a global distribution and is represented in New Zealand by two species; L. atritus Urquhart 1890 and L. katipo Powell 1871. Recently, it was recommended that these be referred to as ‘black’ and ‘red’ katipo, respectively (Patrick 2002). Both species of katipo have declined throughout their respective coastal duneland habitats and ranges. A recent nationwide survey for red katipo revealed they were present at only 46% of sites where they had been recorded previously (Patrick 2002). Threats to red katipo are degradation and loss of habitat due to historical and on-going processes, including replacement of the native sand-binder pingao (Desmoschoenus spiralis) with introduced marram grass (Ammophila arenaria), deliberate and accidental spread of exotic species such as Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), and damage caused by stock and recreational vehicles (Griffiths 2001). Although red katipo appear to have declined in number and distribution, the scarcity of detailed historical records and lack of a nationallyimplemented standard survey methodology mean that current rates of population declines and range reductions are difficult to determine. Monitoring is sporadic and consists of repeated sampling of some known populations over time in combination with surveys at sites were red katipo are scarce and/or have been recorded previously. Such surveys rely on hand-searching of suitable habitat, ideally by experienced observers. The probability of detecting katipo may vary according to the complexity and structure of the habitat being searched (Patrick 2002), observer experience, time-of-year, and the developmental stage, with spiderlings and males being more difficult to detect than adult females (Troup 2004). This variability can remain despite efforts to standardise survey conditions in-so-far as this is possible. For instance, two successive 30 min searches conducted by experienced observers at the exact same site yielded 33 and seven red katipo, respectively (Patrick 2002). Collectively, these difficulties highlight the need for practical and robust monitoring methods. New Zealand Entomologist 29: 99-102 (2006)

Invertebrate survey of a modified native shrubland, Brookdale Covenant, Rock and Pillar Range, Otago, New Zealand

Abstract This is the first published invertebrate survey focusing on a low‐altitude shrubland community in New Zealand. Invertebrates were collected from a remnant native shrubland (450 m) protected by the Brookdale Conservation Covenant, Rock and Pillar Range, Otago, New Zealand in late summer/autumn 1999. Sampling was carried out by beating 30 randomly chosen shrubs of each of two native species: Olearia bullata H. D. Wilson & Garnock‐Jones (Asteraceae) and Coprosma propinqua A. Cunn. (Rubiaceae). Fifty pitfall traps were also set under the same shrubs and on nearby open patches of exotic grassland. Three Phyla, six Classes, 25 Orders and approximately 280 species were recorded. An annotated list of taxa is presented, and plant/host associations plus other observations on the fauna are discussed. Approximately 90% of the identified species were endemic, emphasising the importance of such remnant habitats for the protection of New Zealands biodiversity.

Rapid ecological survey, inventory and implementation: A case study from Waikaia Ecological Region, New Zealand

General biogeographic features of the two Ecological Districts ‐ Umbrella c. 150 000 ha and Nokomai, c. 110 000 ha ‐ of the Waikaia Ecological Region, south‐central South Island, are described. Results of normal and inverse cluster analyses of plot samples of the full range of indigenous vegetation remaining in each District are presented. Up to 17 plant communities from each District are characterised in terms of physiognomy, flora, and physiography. These range from beech forests and lowland red tussock grassland through upland shrublands, shrub‐tussocklands, tussocklands, sedgelands, and wetlands to high‐alpine communities (snowbank, cushionfield, scree). The 649 indigenous and 97 adventive vascular plant taxa plus 21 hybrids are listed by District. Plant distributions, particularly altitudinal and geographic limits for many alpine and some threatened taxa, are described. Of the regions fauna, 61 birds, 268 Lepidoptera, 202 Coleoptera (some in both orders undescribed), and several other invertebrates ...

Antipodes Island Lepidoptera

The Lepidoptera of Antipodes Island are described, together with biological and ecological information on many species. Twenty‐two species are now recorded, of which 20 are believed to be breeding there. One of these is a world‐wide domestic species, while four are considered to be endemic to the island. Close faunal relationships are demonstrated with the moth fauna of Bounty, Chatham and the South Island of New Zealand. The total list of Lepidoptera for the subantarctic islands south of New Zealand is updated and discussed. The seasonality, dependence on disturbed areas and diurnal activity of the moth fauna are commented on. The status of the megaherb Senecio antipodus, defoliated by magpie moth larvae, is discussed. The presence of mice on the island, and their possible effect on invertebrates, is discussed and a recommendation made that they be eradicated. Coleoptera and Mollusca collected are listed in an appendix.

Seasonality, sex ratios and arrival pattern of some New Zealand caddis (Trichoptera) to Light‐Traps

We report the results of three independent light‐trapping studies of caddis (Trichoptera) at three widely‐separated stream‐side sites in New Zealand. A total of 66 caddis species in 10 families was recorded, as follows: 33 from site K (Kawarau Gorge) in 1990–91, 28 from site T (Turitea Stream) in 1986–87 and 45 from site W (Waitakere Stream/Cascade Stream) in 1967–68. Many of the species were captured in sufficient numbers to estimate their adult flight season. The results show that some species in the families Hydrobiosidae, Hydroptili‐dae and perhaps also Philopotamidae and Chathamiidae are present as adults during every month of the year. Species captured from 7 other families appeared to have a mid‐winter break with no active adults present. For some species there is a marked change in the sex ratio through the flight season from predominantly males early in the season to predominantly females at the end. For four common species at one site, the arrival pattern at the light trap was unimodal. It was h...

Lepidoptera of Kaitorete Spit, Canterbury

A survey of the Lepidoptera of Kaitorete Spit, Ellesmere Ecological District, records 130 moth species, 126 of which are native residents, and six endemic to the area. The host plants of many species are recorded, some for the first time. Some nationally rare moth species are also present. The history and biogeography of the moth fauna is discussed together with the significance of the site for conservation of biological features and natural processes.

Panbiogeography and the amateur naturalist with reference to conservation implications

Abstract The minimal-spanning-tree as a method of plotting dispersal in panbiogeographic methodology is a useful tool for the general naturalist or recreational biologist, as it enables observations of plant or animal distributions to be associated with the geological processes of an area in a disciplined but convenient way. This is achieved by plotting the known distribution of the taxa, using the current taxonomy, on a map and connecting these points by the shortest-distance tree. Interpretations arrived at by this methodology not only provide a framework for understanding of evolutionary processes but they stress the dynamics of the geological and biological systems. Panbiogeography emphasises the importance of biological communities and the significance of these areas at a regional or national level. This type of area recognition aids conservation advocates, as it helps to set priorities of areas identified as needing protection. Inland saline areas of Central Otagoare discussed by way of an example. ...

Conservation of New Zealand's tussock grassland moth fauna.

New Zealand has a relatively rich moth fauna associated with tussock grasslands, reflecting the historic importance of plant communities containing native grasses in the New Zealand landscape. Extensive grassland communities were most common in the eastern and central regions of New Zealands South Island where what now remains of these communities is contained within more than 350 Pastoral Leases managed for pastoral farming. Because these various grassland communities are distributed from coastal areas to the limit of vegetation on mountains there has been an uneven human impact. Grasslands at sea-level (including those on sand dunes and alluvial plains) have almost been eliminated while those in montane valleys have until now escaped intensive development. Alpine grasslands, like those of montane areas are now much less woody as a result of both Polynesian and more recent burning. From the late 1970s, based on public concern that continuing development was eliminating the natural landscapes and conservation values of the distinctive tussock grasslands of the South Island, a concerted programme of identification of the broad conservation values of the remaining grassland dominated regions was initiated. Implementation of the recommendations in the resulting published reports relating to priority areas for conservation and the subsequent full-scale review of Pastoral Leases has resulted in the formation of large grassland Conservation Parks and the reservation of a multitude of smaller areas, based on a suite of recreation, landscape and biological values. This important ongoing Tenure Review process has important implications for the conservation of tussock grassland biota including numerous native moths and their habitats.

Lepidoptera and other insects of the Rastus Burn Basin, The Remarkables, Otago

Abstract The results of a summer survey of both the nocturnal and diurnal Lepidoptera species of the Rastus Burn Basin in The Remarkables, Otago, are presented and discussed. Altogether 186 species are recorded, some of which were found only as larvae and subsequently reared. Four species were found that are probably new to science. Many rare or little known species were also found, such as Xanthorhoe frigida and Aletia sollennis. Distributions of the species beyond The Remarkables, some notable absences and the ecology/biology of some species are noted and discussed. New host plant records are recorded for some species. Coleoptera, Trichoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Plecoptera and Neuroptera collected in the area are also recorded. The Rastus Burn Basin is part of a proposed scenic reserve on The Remarkables to protect both biological and landscape values of the mountain range. Another large area of the Rastus Burn Basin is classified as a recreation reserve to accommodate a skifield operation there. Co...

Australian lucerne leafroller, Merophyas divulsana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in New Zealand

Abstract The Australian lucerne leafroller (LLR), Merophyas divulsana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), first recorded from New Zealand in Central Otago, is now known from northern and eastern sites in the North Island and from Westland. In New Zealand it has been found associated with Lotus pedunculatus, but not with lucerne. Adults are dark grey ventrally, with grey hindwings, thereby differing from the endemic M. leucaniana, which is pallid ventrally with pale whitish fawn hindwings. The adults are thought to have been carried to New Zealand in a low pressure system (depression) during 1987–88, at a time of high population levels in eastern New South Wales. M. divulsana adults from New Zealand agree in genitalic details with specimens in CSIRO, Canberra, characteristic of populations in lucerne below the 200 m contour in north‐eastern New South Wales.