The beetle (Coleoptera) fauna of the Chatham Islands

Abstract

A total of 286 beetle species is reported from the Chatham Is. For each species the following data are given: whether the species is a Chatham Is endemic, also found in mainland New Zealand, or introduced from outside New Zealand; a reference to the first record of the species in the Chatham Is; collecting methods and habitat; distribution outside the Chatham Is; and for the 249 species represented by specimens in the Entomology Research Museum, Lincoln University, distribution on the various islands of the Chathams group, abundance and months of collection. 131 species are newly recorded from the Chatham Is. A brief history of studies of the Ghatham Is beetle fauna is provided. The size of the known fauna on the different islands of the Chathams group does not follow usual species area relationships, probably due to predation, disturbance and forest clearance on the larger islands. The small outer islands of the group are shown to be important sanctuaries for many larger flightless species.

Replacement names are proposed for the homonyms Aeschyntelus Waterhouse, 1876 (Bothrideridae) and Catoptes brevicornis (Broun, 1904) (Curculionidae). Taxonomic notes are provided for some Chatham Is species.

Keywords:

• beetles
• Coleoptera
• Chntharri Islands
• species area relationships
• insect conservation
• ho~nonymh
• taxonomy