FNZ 12 - Pompilidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera)
- Abstract
Harris, A. C. 1987. Pompilidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera). Fauna of
New Zealand 12, 160 pages. ISBN 0-477-02501-3. Published 13 Nov
1987.
Abstract
Eleven species of Pompilidae are recognised from New Zealand, of which ten
are endemic. The four genera belong to two subfamilies: Pepsinae -
Cryptocheilus
Panzer,
Priocnemis Schiōdte,
Sphictostethus
Kohl; and Pompilinae -
Epipompilus Kohl.
Chrysocurgus
Haupt and
Trichocurgus Haupt are removed from
synonymy with
Chirodamus Haliday.
Trichocurgus
is reinstated as a subgenus of
Priocnemis, and
Chrysocurgus is synonymised with
Sphictostethus,
which is restored to generic status within tribe Pepsini. Ten specific names
are placed into synonymy.
Priocnemis (Trichocurgus) ordishi,
Priocnemis (T.) crawi, and
Sphictostethus
calvus are described as new. The sexes are correctly associated
for all species, most for the first time. All previously known species are
redescribed, morphological structures of adults and larvae are illustrated,
and keys are given to tribes, genera, and species for adults (both sexes)
and larvae. Taxonomic decisions are supported by data on biology, behaviour,
and distribution. Behaviour, nesting cycles, life histories, and final-instar
larvae are described for all species. Three species nest above ground. Of
these,
Epipompilus insularis Kohl oviposits directly
on spiders, usually in situ within their retreats, without making nests;
Sphictostethus fugax (Fabricius) is a mud-dauber
favouring beetle pupal chambers in trees; and
Sphictostethus
calvus nests in rotting logs.
Priocnemis (Trichocurgus)
nitidiventris (Smith) makes single-celled nests exclusively
in sand. The other species nest below ground in diverse habitats, making
either single-celled nests or multi-celled nests which in some species may
be used by many generations over a period of years. Geographical variation
(including mimicry and parallel ecophenotypical colour variation) is described,
and distributions of all species are indicated. In four species melanism
varies clinally from Spirits Bay (34°27'S) to Port Pegasus, Stewart
Island (47°14'S) in relation to climatic factors. Varying degrees of
melanism were induced experimentally in some species (but not in others)
by lowering the temperatures experienced by the pupa. Abrupt disruptions
in the clines occur at the sites of past and present geographical barriers;
hence seven subspecies or races can be recognised, but these are not named.
Extralimital relationships of the New Zealand species are indicated.
Cryptocheilus
australis (Guérin) was introduced from Australia in
the past three decades.
E. insularis has strong
Australian affinities, and the three
Sphictostethus
species are closely related to species in Tasmania and Chile. Extensive
host records are given for all species.
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