Evolution of<scp>N</scp>ew<scp>Z</scp>ealand insects: summary and prospectus for future research

Buckley, Thomas R.; Krosch, Matt N.; Leschen, Richard A. B.

doi:10.1111/aen.12116

Cited by 67 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 284 publications

(394 reference statements)

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“…The diverse invertebrate fossils in New Zealand amber include predators such as spiders (including web remains with prey), tiny carnivores such as pseudoscorpions, diverse soil-dwelling mites, detritivores such as springtails, biting and gall midges, Oligocene land erosion and marine transgression on New Zealand's arthropod lineages is uncertain, particularly as these events relate to estimating the origins of those few endemic families and the diversifications observed among others (Buckley et al, 2015).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, because of the rarity of fossils of all but higher plants, the history of the terrestrial biota is complex and controversial, with ongoing debates about its origin, antiquity and evolutionary history (e.g., Goldberg et al, 2008;Landis et al, 2008;Giribet and Boyer, 2010;Macfarlane et al, 2010;Buckley et al, 2015;Gibbs, 2016). The typically small, mainly soft-bodied organisms such as fungi and invertebrates preserved in amber have potential to contribute to this debate and to enhance our understanding of the role of evolution, extinction and environmental change in the formation of New Zealand's forest ecosystems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Amber inclusions from New Zealand

et al. 2018

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Terrestrial ecosystems of the long-isolated former Gondwanan landmass of NewZealand are hotspots of modern global biodiversity, based on the level of endemism and distinctiveness of the biota. However, little is known of the evolutionary history of the rarely-preserved but diverse, distinctive, fragile, mainly soft-bodied organisms such as arthropods and fungi that comprise 95% of biodiversity in forest ecosystems. Our discovery of fossils preserved in Oligocene/Miocene amber of araucarian origin reveals a diverse invertebrate and fungal biota and complex ecological networks. These fossils comprise 10 orders and approximately 20 families of terrestrial arthropods and include representatives of Pseudoscorpiones, Acari, Araneae, Collembola, Hemiptera, Psocoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera, together with nematodes, mold fungi and araucarian wood. Ecologically the fossils encompass predators such as spiders with web remains, soil and bark mites, detritivores, parasites, fungivores and decomposers, fungi that grew on solidified resin flows, as well as predatory fungi. This is the first major amber deposit with an abundance of biological inclusions from the Southern Hemisphere and the only Cenozoic one of verified araucarian origin. These fossils expand the global record and evolutionary history of many arthropod and fungal groups, providing insights into mid-Cenozoic araucarian forest ecosystems and resolving controversial issues around the antecedents of the modern New Zealand terrestrial biota.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Amber inclusions from New Zealand

et al. 2018

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“…fungi, invertebrates), complete species-level classifications are unlikely ever to be developed (e.g. Carbayo & Marque 2011;Buckley et al 2015). Although partial reference data exist for metabarcoding of some taxonomic groups in New Zealand (e.g.…”

Section: Methodological Uncertainties Associated With Dna Metabarcodingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using DNA meta barcoding to assess New Zealand's terrestrial biodiversity

Holdaway¹,

Wood²,

Dickie³

et al. 2017

NZ J Ecol

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High throughput DNA sequencing technology has enabled entire biological communities to be characterised from DNA derived from pools of organisms, such as bulk-collected invertebrates, or DNA extracted from environmental samples (e.g. soil). These DNA-based techniques have the potential to revolutionise biodiversity monitoring. One approach in particular, DNA metabarcoding, can provide unprecedented taxonomic breadth at a scale not practically achievable through the morphological identification of individual organisms. Here, we assess the current strengths and weaknesses of DNA metabarcoding techniques for biodiversity assessment. We argue that it is essential to integrate conventional monitoring methods with novel DNA methods, to validate methods, and to better use and interpret data. We present a conceptual framework for how this might be done, explore potential applications within national biodiversity assessment frameworks, Maori biodiversity monitoring and the primary sector, and highlight areas of current uncertainty and future research directions. Rapid developments in DNA sequencing technology and bioinformatics will make DNA-based community data increasingly accessible to ecologists, and there needs to be a corresponding shift in research focus from DNA metabarcoding method development and evaluation to real-world applications that provide rich information for a range of purposes, including conservation planning and land management decisions.

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“…Many of these taxa possess specialised adaptations to survive the extreme alpine conditions such as dark colouration, flightlessness and freeze tolerance (Buckley & Simon 2007;McCulloch et al 2009;Wharton 2011). Patterns such as low levels of endemism within the volcanic mountainous areas of the North Island, and high levels of endemism in the alpine areas of north-west Nelson and west Otago have been identified, as well as hotspots of local endemism on individual mountain ranges, though detailed information on alpine fauna distributions across New Zealand remains lacking (Goldberg et al 2008;Buckley et al 2015).…”

Section: Invertebratesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impacts of introduced mammalian predators on New Zealand’s alpine fauna

O’Donnell¹,

Weston²,

Monks³

2017

NZ J Ecol

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Alpine zones are threatened globally by invasive species, hunting, and habitat loss caused by fire, anthropogenic development and climate change. These global threats are pertinent in New Zealand, with the least understood pressure being the potential impacts of introduced mammalian predators, the focus of this review. In New Zealand, alpine zones include an extensive suite of cold climate ecosystems covering c. 11% of the land mass. They support rich communities of indigenous invertebrates, lizards, fish, and birds. Many taxa are obligate alpine dwellers, though there is uncertainty about the extent to which distributions of some species are relicts of wider historical ranges. The impacts of introduced mammalian predators are well described in many New Zealand ecosystems, though little is known about the impacts of these predators on alpine fauna. Here we review the importance of alpine habitats for indigenous fauna and the impacts of introduced mammalian predators; and develop a conceptual model explaining threat interactions. Most evidence for predation is anecdotal or comes from studies of species with wider ranges and at lower altitudes. Nevertheless, at least ten introduced predator species have been confirmed as frequent predators of native alpine species, particularly among birds and invertebrates. In the case of the endangered takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri) and rock wren (Xenicus gilviventris), stoats (Mustela erminea) are primary predators, which are likely to be impacting significantly on population viability. We also document records of mammalian predation on alpine lizards and freshwater fish. While the precise impacts on the long-term viability of threatened species have not been evaluated, anecdotal evidence suggests that predation by mammals is a serious threat, warranting predator control. Future research should focus on predicting when and where mammalian predators impact on populations of indigenous fauna, furthering our understanding of the alpine predator guild particularly through adaptive management experiments, and exploring interactions with other threats.

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Evolution ofNewZealand insects: summary and prospectus for future research

Cited by 67 publications

References 284 publications

Amber inclusions from New Zealand

Amber inclusions from New Zealand

Using DNA meta barcoding to assess New Zealand's terrestrial biodiversity

Impacts of introduced mammalian predators on New Zealand’s alpine fauna

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