Neonetus

Neonetus
Neonetus variegatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Ensifera
Family: Rhaphidophoridae
Subfamily: Macropathinae
Genus: Neonetus
Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1888
Species

See text.

Observations of Neonetus and their distribution throughout New Zealand

Neonetus is a genus of cave wētā in the family Rhaphidophoridae, endemic to New Zealand. All described species are small; when adult, individuals are only about 1 cm long.[1] Neonetus variegatus and N. huttoni are common in native and exotic forests but because they are small and nocturnal, they are often overlooked.[2]

Taxonomy

The genus Neonetus was established by Brunner von Wattenwyl in 1888.

Biology

Neonetus are active at night when they are vulnerable to becoming food for rats[3] and kiwi.[4]

Distribution

Current observational data suggests that Neonetus is restricted to the North Island of New Zealand.[5]

Species

References

  1. ^ Fitness, J. L.; Morgan-Richards, M.; Ball, OJ-P.; Godfrey, A. J. R.; Trewick, S. A. (2015). "Improved resolution of cave weta diversity (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae): ecological implications for Te Paki, Far North, New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 42 (1): 1–16. doi:10.1080/03014223.2014.983939. ISSN 0301-4223. S2CID 55361809.
  2. ^ Trewick, Steve (2019). Wild life New Zealand. Morgan-Richards, Mary (2nd ed.). [Palmerston North]: Hand-in-hand Press. ISBN 9780473483203. OCLC 1115003436.
  3. ^ MOORS, P. J. (1985). "Norway Rats (Rattus Norvegicus) on the Noises and Motukawao Islands, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 8: 37–54. ISSN 0110-6465. JSTOR 24052744.
  4. ^ Colbourne, Rogan; Baird, Karen; Jolly, Jim (1990). "Relationship between invertebrates eaten by little spotted kiwi, Apteryx owenii, and their availability on Kapiti Island, New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 17 (4): 533–542. doi:10.1080/03014223.1990.10422951. ISSN 0301-4223.
  5. ^ "iNaturalist". iNaturalist. Retrieved 8 September 2022.