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: 307

Publication Date: 20-12-2013

Landcare Research Science Series No. 2



A natural extension to Version 3, explaining the methods used to develop the New Zealand Soil Classification, it includes discussion of the rational for class recognition and definition. Aiming to provide a concise account useful for soil taxonomists, users and students of soil classification. This report is concerned with the top three levels of the hierarchy: order; group; and subgroup.

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Pages: 71

Publication Date: 20-12-2013

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

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Pages: 226

Publication Date: 19-12-2013

This is the first checklist published on the mosses of Banks Peninsula, and pulls together previous research by many other botanists. It is a useful guide for the moss flora of most of the eastern South Island area, but also has applicability to mosses in New Zealand generally.



It records 234 moss species — nearly half the moss flora of New Zealand — known to be growing on the Banks Peninsula, and includes those which have been noted in the early literature from the Peninsula area.



Discussion of physical features, climate, and vegetation of the Peninsula is provided. Herbarium voucher numbers are given, and reference is made to the earliest published record for each species. A comprehensive bibliography and an index of family and Latin names are included.

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Pages: 80

Publication Date: 10-02-2014

This new report describes the soils and soil distribution in the Mackenzie hill country, as well as addressing the issues of nutrient deficiencies, the sustainable use of pastoral land, and the potential for forestry in the area.



Thirty-nine soils are identified and grouped into land systems. Soil landscape models for land below 1500 m altitude show which soils are found on particular landscape areas.



Fifteen new soil “Factsheets” are provided in the back of the book. The factsheets give an easy-to-read overview of the key characteristics of each soil, and feature colour photos of a soil profile and typical landscape. Included are descriptions of the soil, extensive information on the soil chemical and physical properties, and valuable details of land use.

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Pages: 50

Publication Date: 10-02-2014

This contribution treats the nine species of the New Zealand Erotylidae, a small family considering there are approximately 3500 species worldwide. In New Zealand there has been little research into this family of beetles, perhaps because they tend to be mostly small and brown, though elsewhere they can be big and beautiful.



Part of this contribution proposes an amended classification for the world fauna of Erotylidae, by erecting two new tribes, describing two new genera, and making changes to generic status and family placement. How the New Zealand members of Erotylidae fit into this new classification is of primary importance for understanding the origins of our local fauna and how they relate to other erotylids. It also considers the phylogenetic or family relationships which the New Zealand species have with erotylid beetles throughout the rest of the world, such as Australia, New Caledonia, South America, and possibly South Africa.



The family can be easily separated from other groups, but a microscope will be necessary to discriminate these species from similar families such as Cryptophagidae. The identification keys which are supplied with this Fauna will help. The species are not difficult to identify, some having distinctive colour patterns that make for easy recognition. New Zealand’s fauna reflects the mixture of feeding types which make up the erotylid family, some feeding on fungus, others on plants and the remainder being scavengers feeding on plant and fungus tissues.



Annotated keys to the higher taxa and genera of all subfamilies except Erotylinae and Languriini are provided and biological information, including cycad feeding and mycophagy, is summarised.

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Pages: 108

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

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 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