Distribution of Stoneflies in New Zealand

Abstract

The New Zealand stonefly fauna consists of: Austroperlidae (1 sp.); Eustheniidae, 1 genus (2 sp.); Gripopterygidae, 9 genera (39 sp.); Notonemouridae, 6 genera (22 sp.). Austroperla, Notonemoura and Stenoperla are the only non-endemic genera (shared with Australia) and there are no non-endemic species. Endemism of species: North Island, 9; South Island, 30; Stewart Island, 1 +; Snares Islands, 1; Campbell Island, 2; Auckland Islands, 4. Two areas in South Island have a high degree of endemism (Northwest Nelson, 6; Fiordland, 13). A considerable proportion of the entire fauna is found in the high precipitation region of the Southern Alps and its subsiduary mountain ranges. Over half the species there have terrestrial, semi-terrestrial or waterfilm dwelling larvae. No stoneflies are known from the Chatham and Kermadec Islands. Overall reasons for distribution include past landforms, volcanic activity, precipitation and collector effort. The maps illustrating this account show distribution, habitat and mode of nutrition.