There are about 1400 species of Scaphidiine beetles worldwide. Robust beetles, generally black in colour and shiny, their interesting body form, morphology and biology make this group one of the more intrinsically interesting members of Staphylinidae. Although their relatives are predatory, all scaphidiines feed on fungus and often have very well defined host-use patterns. New Zealand is particularly important to the development of a stable classification for the entire world fauna, because it contains some of the most primitive members of the group.



In this contribution, the 23 species of New Zealand’s fauna are revised and illustrated, with one genus and 15 species described as new. A key to the species is provided, as are diagnoses for the genera, including larval information where available. Distribution and other biological information is summarised for each species.



Twenty-one of the 23 New Zealand species are endemic. While some species are widespread throughout the country, others are more regionally distributed. About half are flightless and lack well-developed hind wings for flight. Most species are mainly forest dwelling and are collected by leaf litter sifting or by hand collecting from host fungi. Rarely collected species may be indicative of certain microhabitats that are threatened or rare.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 94

Publication Date: 28-02-2014