Anagotus stephenensis
| Ngaio weevil | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Curculionidae |
| Subfamily: | Cyclominae |
| Tribe: | Aterpini |
| Genus: | Anagotus |
| Species: | A. stephenensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Anagotus stephenensis G Kuschel, 1982 | |
Anagotus stephenensis, commonly known as the ngaio weevil, is a large flightless weevil that is only found on Stephens Island, New Zealand. The ngaio weevil was discovered in 1916 on Stephens Island and is a relict population.[1]
The ngaio weevil has a historic range as far away as South Canterbury and was once common, having been found in reasonable numbers (39) in cave deposits produced by the extinct laughing owl.[1] Intensive searches in 1971 and 1995 saw one or two specimens indicating it had become rarer than when discovered in 1916, when 15 specimens were collected from Stephens Island.[1]
The weevil is known to live on ngaio trees (Myoporum laetum), feeding on leaves, where it produces a characteristic feeding notch. The adults have also been found on the karaka tree (Corynocarpus laevigatus).[1] The weevil is a large, nocturnal, flightless weevil ranging in length from 20 to 31mm.[2] This species has recently had its conservation status upgraded to nationally critical.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Kuschel, G; Worthy, TH (1996). "Past distribution of large weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the South Island, New Zealand, based on Holocene fossil remains title" (PDF). New Zealand Entomologist 19: 15–19. doi:10.1080/00779962.1996.9722016.
- ↑ McGuiness, C.A. "The Conservation Requirements of New Zealand’s Nationally Threatened Invertebrates" (PDF). Department of Conservation. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
- ↑ Stringer, I.A.N; Hitchmough, R.A.; Leschena, R.A.B.; Marris, J.W.M.; Emberson, R.M.; Nunn, J. (2012). "The conservation status of New Zealand Coleoptera". New Zealand Entomologist 35 (2). doi:10.1080/00779962.2012.686311.