Snapshots of NZ Entomology

The ribbonwood anthribid Hoherius meinertzhageni,

This endemic New Zealand beetle is commonly found on lacebarks and ribbonwoods. The males have very long antennae. Within the pupa, the antennae are neatly coiled on each side of the flattened rostrum. They are known to occur in the North Island from Auckland to Wellington, and as far south as the Mackenzie in the South Island, with one record from the Southland coast.

Adapted from Holloway (1982)

Snapshots of NZ Entomology

The beach scale insect Sarococcus fagi

William Maskell described this bi-coloured beech mealybug in 1891. Cox (Fauna of NZ 11, 1987) added three more green-coloured species to this endemic Nothofagus-feeding genus.They can generally be found on N. fusca, N. menziesii and N. solandri in forests throughout New Zealand. The photo is of an S. fagi female collected at the Harwoods Hole Track carpark in North-west Nelson. She is facing down towards the leaf petiole, with her antennae tucked in beside the head, and her four white wax tail filaments protruding from the posterior end.

By Rosa Henderson

Snapshots of NZ Entomology

The peppercorn scale, Epelidochiton piperis

William Maskell named this species piperis in 1882, after the plant Macropiper or pepper tree. The genus name, Epelidochiton, means "freckled skin" because females develop a sclerotised patch under each plate area of the test. Peppercorn scale prefers warmer parts of New Zealand, and has not been found south of the Nelson area. Unlike most other native soft scales, it is able to withstand urban environments, and can be found living on puriri trees in Auckland parks and gardens. It is known from at least fifteen different host plants. The photo is of a female and two young instars

By Rosa Henderson

Snapshots of NZ Entomology

The fern scale, Pseudaulacaspis phymatodidis

This endemic armoured scale (Diaspididae) is common on many different ferns in New Zealand, from ground dwellers, tree ferns, hanging ferns to filmy ferns. William Maskell gave it the specific name phymatodidis in 1880, during a period when long-winded names were the norm. Unfortunately it later was put into the equally long-named genus Pseudaulacaspis, but luckily it is restricted to ferns and we can use its common name and avoid the scientific mouthful. The photo is of a recent collection by Ross Beever, from Pitt Island, Chathams.

By Rosa Henderson

Snapshots of NZ Entomology

The broom seed beetle, Bruchidius villosus (L.)

Introduced for biocontrol of broom, Cystisus scoparius, adult beetles are commonly found inside broom flowers. Females lay pale coloured, elongate eggs singly on the outside of green seed pods, and a single larva develops inside an individual seed. Adult beetles escape from dry, blackened pods when they dehisce in summer. This beetle also develops on tree lucerne (tagasaste) (Chamaecytisus palmensis or Cytisus proliferus).

By Pauline Syrett

Snapshots of NZ Entomology

The Pit Island longhorn, Xylotoles costatus Pascoe

Early records of this longhorn are all from Pitt Island and Chatham Island, but more recently it has been seen only on Rangitira. and is believed to be extinct on the larger islands. Larvae feed on Coprosma chathamica, and adults have occasionally been seen climbing trunks of Coprosma trees at night. The species is regarded as endangered, and is classed as Nationally Critical.


By Rowan Emberson