Invertebrate survey of Somes Island (Matiu) and Mokopuna Island, Wellington Harbour, New Zealand

Abstract

The invertebrate fauna of Somes and Mokopuna Islands was surveyed over a 5 month period using malaise, pitfall and light traps. New locality records are noted in particular for Hudsona anceps, Myerslopia terrestris (Hemiptera) and a recently-discovered new hymenopteran family. Some of the principal biogeographic relationships of Somes/Mokopuna with the North and South Island are identified for Dysnocryptus pallidus, Hudsona anceps, Mimopeus opaculus and Philanisus plebius. The management and conservation implications of the invertebrate fauna are discussed in relation to the operation of the Ministry of Agriculture quarantine station, the potential for a nature reserve and the issue of future public access to Somes.

Keywords>:

• Invertebrates
• insects
• survey
• Somes Island
• New Zealand
• biogeography
• conservation
• management