McCartney et al.—New records of Acropsopilio neozealandiae

New Zealand Journal of Zoology abstracts

New records of Acropsopilio neozealandiae (Forster), and remarks on the sexual status of the species (Arachnida: Opiliones: Caddidae)

J. McCartney

Ecology Group
Institute of Natural Resources
Massey University
Private Bag 11222
Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
J.McCartney@massey.ac.nz

W. Shear

Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney
Virginia, USA 23943

I. A. N. Stringer

Department of Conservation
PO Box 10420
Wellington 6143, New Zealand

Abstract Acropsopilio neozealandiae (Forster) is a tiny endemic New Zealand harvestman previously reported from seven localities. Extensive pitfall collecting in the southern half of the North Island and northern quarter of the South Island produced 70 individuals, from 42 locations, documenting its local distribution. The collection method is described fully, to assist future work. All specimens that could be confidently identified were female, so it seems likely that A. neozealandiae reproduces, at least within our study areas, by parthenogenesis—as do at least two of its congeners. Our specimens showed no obvious morphological variation over their range.

Keywords Acropsopilio; distribution; New Zealand; Opiliones; parthenogenetic

Z06037; Online publication date 15 May 2007; Received 13 December 2006; accepted 13 April 2007

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