Classification and identification of Niveaphasma Jewell and Brock
The genus Niveaphasma is unusual among stick insects in that it can occur in alpine areas. The genus currently contains only one recognized species.
Niveaphasma annulata (Hutton 1898)
This species is more common in the southern half of the South Island although it has been reported at far north as Nelson. The genus appears to be absent from the North Island. Most specimens are grey or brown in colour with distinct flanges and lobes on the body and legs. Some populations lack males and are parthenogenetic. Our genetic work shows different populations were restricted to a number of refugia in the lower South Island during recent glacial advances (O’Neil et al. 2009).
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Female Niveaphasma annulata from near the Blue Mountains, Otago (photo: T. Buckley)
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A female Niveaphasma annulata from Fiordland (photo: T. Buckley)
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Male of Niveaphasma annulata from Lake Ohau (photo: R. Hoare)
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A Niveaphasma annulata egg from Lake Ohau (photo: B. Rhode)
