The Fauna of New Zealand series has been widely acclaimed for its role in presenting New Zealand's unique invertebrate fauna to the world.

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Pages: 226

Publication Date: 19-12-2013

The Fauna of New Zealand series has been widely acclaimed for its role in presenting New Zealand's unique invertebrate fauna to the world.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 140

Publication Date: 19-12-2013

Although the Edendale district of Southland has a large area of high class soils, up until now the detailed soil distribution has never been mapped. Recently, an increase in dairy farming in the district, legislative change regarding effluent disposal, and opportunities for horticultural diversification have created a requirement for better knowledge of the soils in the area.



This booklet and map are the results of a new survey completed in 1994. They provide more information on soil permeability, drainage, and moisture storage, to enable analysis of potential contaminant problems, and to assist sustainable management of the land in the district.



Detailed information on soil profiles mentioned in the text is provided in an Appendix, along with a 1:50,000 colour soil map of the area, detailing roads and waterways.

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Pages: 36

Publication Date: 10-02-2014

In New Zealand 40 species of Ephemeroptera (mayflies) have been classified in 8 families, although the list is not complete. New Zealand mayflies are average-sized insects, with the adults having two pairs of membranous wings. The adults have three tail filaments, at least two of which are very long. The juvenile stage is aquatic and has abdominal gills resembling small leaves along each side of the first seven abdominal segments.



Most mayfly species are adapted for clinging to the undersides of stones and boulders in streams, however the species of the family Nesameletidae are free swimming and able to dart about with agility to escape predators. They are sometimes referrred to collectively by trout fishermen as “the grey darter”.



In NZ the family Nesameletidae is represented by one genus, Nesameletus, whose five described species are all endemic. NZ mayflies almost always develop in unpolluted running water, feeding on algae and plant material and converting it into biomass. As such they are a vital part of the food chain, which is continued by their predators. Nesameletidae are widely distributed in NZ, though three species appear to be confined to the South Island, with all species tending to be found in smaller streams and trickles.



Two presently named species are redescribed and three new species added. The eggs and larval stages of the different species are described and associated with their respective adult stages. The text includes discussion of phylogenetic relationships, notes on ecology and distribution maps. Diagnostic characters of the species are illustrated and keys given for all life stages.

Pages: 72

Publication Date: 28-02-2014

The family Lycosidae (wolf spiders) has more than 2200 known species that are found worldwide, especially in open habitats. Twenty-seven species are found in New Zealand, two of which are introduced, while the remaining twenty-five species are endemic to New Zealand. In this significant new work, the twenty-seven species are revised with one new genus and fourteen new species described.



Wolf spiders are easily recognised by the carrying of the spherical egg sac behind the adult female and the subsequent transport of the young on her abdomen. Like most lycosid species, New Zealand wolf spiders are habitat specific and are found in mountain screes, riverbeds, beaches, tussock grasslands, forest, swamps, and marshes. The most commonly seen species, Anoteropsis hilaris, has been investigated as a possible bioindicator and biomarker for organophosphate insecticide contamination, and is also thought to be a beneficial predator of insect pests.



This Fauna contribution contains descriptions of all genera and species, with information on synonymy, type data, geographical distribution, and subfamilial status. Habitus images of adults, illustrations of important structural features, and distribution maps are provided, and a key to adults is given. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis examining the relationships of species in the genus Anoteropsis is presented and contains significant phylogenetic structure. This is the first issue of the series to cover spiders, and includes a 16-page section in colour of the wolf spider species.

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Pages: 94

Publication Date: 28-02-2014

A Taxonomic and Ecological Handbook based on light-trapping studies in Canterbury



This handbook has been designed around the practical questions facing the non-specialist seeking to identify tussock grassland moths accurately and to know their ecologies.



The primary focus is on night-flying moths (those attracted to light) and coverage includes more than one-third of the total New Zealand moth fauna. Many of these moths have wide associations beyond tussock grasslands. Distinctive characters are emphasised to make moth recognition as easy as possible, and the reader’s attention is also drawn to the distinguishing characters of look-alike moths that might be mistakenly confused.



Line drawings, colour plates and a glossary assist the reader to understand morphological terms. Taxonomic keys complement a range of scanning and networking features to locate species of immediate interest in the fewest possible steps. Distribution ranges and known larval foods are defined, and statistically robust selections of light-trapping data are used to clarify species abundances, flight phenologies, altitudinal distributions and faunal biodiversity.



A range of topical information is presented in supplementary ‘Note’ entries throughout the text, and appendices provide easy access to moth dispersal records, the ranges of variability encountered between individuals, and the timing of flight across the hours of darkness. The handbook format also allows quick appraisal of what is currently unknown by science and includes moths that are as yet undescribed.

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Pages: 366

Publication Date: 28-02-2014

Healthy soil is productive soil and the keys to maintaining soil health can be found in this full colour booklet. Devised by experienced Landcare Research soil scientists, it is a practical, easy to follow manual which will help farmers and vegetable growers manage their soils sustainably.



Visual soil assessment methods are given as a tool to gauge the soil condition. Best soil management practices are suggested to achieve and maintain healthy soil. Issues covered include machinery compaction, erosion and loss of soil organic matter. The booklet is concluded by a useful summary of take home messages.



The crucial balance between conservation and productivity is addressed. The conclusions deliver a positive message for the arable farmer: improved soil quality can lead to improved yields, greater profits, and environmentally friendly farming. Clear photographs help to make this an indispensible self-help guide.

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Pages: 26

Publication Date: 28-02-2014

The brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula is arguably the most intensively studied wild animal in New Zealand today. After many years of research, the latest information on possums is now available in a uniquely comprehensive, fully indexed volume. The Brushtail Possum - biology, impact and management of an introduced marsupial is a valuable resource that draws together accumulated knowledge on an introduced species which once promised New Zealand a fur trade, but now costs a fortune to manage.



Brushtail possums were introduced from Australia in the 1850s to establish an animal fur industry, and now number an estimated 60 - 70 million in New Zealand. The damage they cause is both environmental and financial: they prey on eggs and chicks of native birds and on native insects, damage native forests and spread bovine Tb, posing an immense threat to dairy and beef industries.



The 41 authors of The Brushtail Possum provide an expert overview, in the form of 25 stand-alone chapters, of past and present possum research. They identify crucial areas where further research is needed and the future options for managing brushtail possums in New Zealand. The difficulties and complexities of managing this invasive species are enormous, but this book represents a significant step.



The information within this book will be useful to anyone interested in brushtail possums, from those directly involved in managing the species such as pest management agencies, land managers, farmers, regional and municipal councils, DOC and MAF, to those with an academic or general interest in wildlife.

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Pages: 292

Publication Date: 28-02-2014

The Fauna of New Zealand series has been widely acclaimed for its role in presenting New Zealand's unique invertebrate fauna to the world.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 264

Publication Date: 28-02-2014

The Fauna of New Zealand series has been widely acclaimed for its role in presenting New Zealand's unique invertebrate fauna to the world.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 93

Publication Date: 28-02-2014