Zeonidicola (Coleoptera: Cavognathidae) — Beetles inhabiting birds' nests

Abstract

A diagnosis for the New Zealand fauna of Cavognathidae, on adult characters, and a key to the three known species is given. Gaps in knowledge of Cavognathidae are outlined.

The genus Zeonidicola Crowson, 1973 comprises two known species which inhabit the nests of sea birds. The larva of Zeonidicola dumbldoni Crowson, 1973 from nests of Sticlocarbo punctatus (Sparrman) on Banks Peninsula is described. Adults and young larvae of Z. chathamensis n. sp. from nests of various ground- and burrow-nesting birds on small islands of the Chathams are described.

Zeonidicola chathamensis exhibits mostly derived character states compared with Z. dumbldoni. The possible functional and phylogenetic significance of differences between the two species is discussed briefly. The endemic beetle fauna of the Chatham Islands is reviewed in relation to the probable history of the islands.