Diversity and taxonomic status of some New Zealand grasshoppers
Little is known about the taxonomic and conservation status of low-altitude populations of New Zealand grasshoppers (Acrididae). We examined the extent of differences between populations belonging to three groups: Sigaus piliferus, the Brachaspis nivalis complex, and the Sigaus australis complex. There is evidence that the North Island species S. piliferus falls into two groups: individuals in the Tararua Ranges and those north of the Manawatu Gorge. In the South Island, the B. nivalis complex is made up of two subgroups: from central Canterbury to Marlborough, and from south Canterbury to north Otago. There are four subgroups within the S. australis complex: one in central Canterbury and three in Otago. There are also several morphologically distinct populations within the B. nivalis and S. australis complexes, but further work is needed to fully describe these forms. When managing these grasshoppers, it is important that this geographic and morphological variation is considered and represented within management units
Print Book, English, ©2008
Science & Technical Pub., Dept of Conservation, Wellington, N.Z., ©2008