Invertebrate Biosystematics

Introduction

Invertebrate Biosystematics. Carabid beetle Mecodema regulus..
Invertebrate Biosystematics. Carabid beetle Mecodema regulus.

New Zealand has a distinctive and diverse land invertebrate fauna, with over 80% of the estimated 30,000 species being endemic and found nowhere else in the world. Less than 20% of endemic species have adequate scientific descriptions. Biosystematic studies on poorly known groups are revealing the presence of many new species, as well as species introduced mainly through the actions of humans.

Our research underpins the sustainable use and management of biodiversity. Current projects focus primarily on catalogues and taxonomic revisions targeting groups of importance to end users or to the understanding of New Zealand's unique fauna. These studies are combined with molecular approaches, phylogenetic methodologies, and innovative methods of data analysis and delivery.

We maintain and develop the New Zealand Arthropod Collection and its associated databases and the National Nematode Collection of New Zealand. We deliver invertebrate information through the Fauna of New Zealand series, other science publications, identifications, online tools and other services.

A free electronic newsletter, NZAC News, is issued 3 times a year, and the latest issue is downloadable here.


Research areas

Go to AcariAcari

Primary contact: Zhi-Qiang Zhang

Go to Carabidae Carabidae

Primary contact: Andre Larochelle

Go to ColeopteraColeoptera

Primary contact: Rich Leschen

Go to Hemiptera (excluding Sternorrhyncha)Hemiptera (excluding Sternorrhyncha)

Primary contact: Marie-Claude Lariviere

Go to Hemiptera (Sternorrhyncha)Hemiptera (Sternorrhyncha)

Primary contact: Rosa Henderson

Go to HymenopteraHymenoptera

Primary contact: Darren Ward

Go to Larger moths of New Zealand: Image gallery and online guide Larger moths of New Zealand: Image gallery and online guide

Primary contact: Robert Hoare

Go to LepidopteraLepidoptera

Primary contact: Robert Hoare

Go to NematodaNematoda

Primary contact: Zeng Zhao

Go to OnychophoraOnychophora

Primary contact: Dianne Gleeson

Go to Phasmatodea and Molecular Systematics  Phasmatodea and Molecular Systematics

Primary contact: Thomas Buckley

Research collaborations

A network of New Zealand and overseas researchers use the New Zealand Arthropod Collection (NZAC) to borrow specimens for scientific research and as a repository for voucher specimens of their studies, and for type specimens of new taxa. Associated databases are also consulted to obtain additonal information on New Zealand and South Pacific taxa. In several cases, Landcare Research staff have collaborative research linkages with these researches.

New Zealand:Landcare Research staff, and staff of educational and scientific institutions, particularly Crown Research Institutes (HortResearch, AgResearch, ESR, Scion, Crop and Food Research). Other linkages include: general public (through the identification and information service); government departments (MAF Biosecurity, Department of Conservation); private environmental consultancy firms; other entomological collections and museums.

International: All major entomological systematics institutes (e.g., Australian National Insect Collection, Canberra; Canadian National Insect Collection, Ottawa; The Natural History Museum, London; U.S. National Museum, Washington D.C.; Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris) and university departments; South Pacific Commission, UN Food and Agriculture Organisation; Pacific Island Countries, BioNET, GBIF, have linkages with the New Zealand Arthropod Collection and its research staff either through collection & databases services or via joint-research initiatives.

Tools & Services

Primary contact

Thomas BuckleyThomas Buckley EmailSend email to Thomas Buckley

Landcare Research
Private Bag 92170
Auckland Mail Centre
Auckland 1142

Phone: +64 9 574 4100
DDI: +64 9 574 4116
Fax: +64 9 574 4101


Research areas

Acari Carabidae Coleoptera Hemiptera (excluding Sternorrhyncha) Hemiptera (Sternorrhyncha) Hymenoptera Larger moths of New Zealand: Image gallery and online guide Lepidoptera Nematoda Onychophora Phasmatodea and Molecular Systematics

Programmes & OBIs

Defining New Zealand´s Land Biota / Te Tautuhi i ngā Hanga Koiora o Aotearoa

Related areas

Global Biodiversity Informatics Nematoda New Zealand terrestrial molluscs

Case studies

Wetland Restoration: adding value to land and water Life cycle assessments pay dividends

Databases & collections

Fauna of New Zealand series National Nematode Collection of New Zealand (NNCNZ) New Zealand Arthropod Collection (NZAC)

Resources

NZAC News

Media releases

Landcare Research Annual Report All ready for BioBlitz 2010 New facility in fight against weed and insect pests Project launches a website with 10,000 legs! Houdini-like moth gets a new name

Past Events

Public event: BioBlitz .... Finding Nature in the City Public event: BioBlitz 2008 (Auckland)