| Brachaspis nivalis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Orthoptera |
| Suborder: | Caelifera |
| Family: | Acrididae |
| Genus: | Brachaspis |
| Species: | B. nivalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Brachaspis nivalis Hutton, 1898 | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Brachaspis nivalis, is an alpine short-horned grasshopper, endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. [1] Brachaspis nivalis is brachypterous and flightless, therefore they travel by hopping. They bask during the day so need open habitat.
The species was first reported and described by Captain Frederick Wollaston Hutton from the Mount Cook area and Marlborough in 1897, but was put in the genus Pezotettix with some synonyms at that time. [2] In 1898, Hutton proposed a new genus "Brachaspis" (from its short and broad sternal shield) and put in B. nivalis some other collections. [3] In 1967, Bigelow revised Brachaspis and redefined three species. [4] This genus is monophyletic, nested within the New Zealand alpine grasshopper group. [1]
Brachaspis nivalis includes populations from Canterbury and Kaikoura and is morphologically distinguished from the other species ( Brachaspis collinus & Brachaspis robustus ). [4] Although hybridization between B. nivalis and B. collinus is suggested by ITS DNA sequence data in Mount Lyford where these species are sympatric, they are still considered different phylogenetic species on the basis of morphology, mtDNA (COI) sequence and geographical distribution. [5] Furthermore, the genetic sequence data (COI & ITS) suggests that B. nivalis comprises northern (St Arnaud (SA)) and southern (Fox Peak (FP)) subgroups. [5] [6] Both mtDNA and nuclear markers of southern B. nivalis and B. robustus are very similar with evidence of hybridization between these two species. [5]
Brachaspis nivalis is common in rocky montane areas with scattered plants (unlike B. collinus which are mostly found in tussock grass in the Nelson region). [8] The elevational range of B. nivalis is between 600 and 2000 metres above mean sea level. [6] The distribution of B. nivalis is widespread at high elevation in South Island New Zealand from Marlborough, Canterbury and north Otago. [8]
Brachaspis nivalis is polymorphic and has cryptic coloration resembling the surrounding rocky habitat. The color morphs can be either grey or grey mottled brown. [6] Individuals with scarlet, purple or indigo-black flash-display of the hind legs have been collected at various sites (unlike the reddish brown hind legs in B. collinus). [5] Males are usually smaller than females. The known body length of males range between 15-24 mm, and the females between 16-40 mm. [6] The length of the hind femur of males are 8.5-12.5 mm, and the females are 11.5-17 mm. [3] Generally, the body size of B. nivalis is smaller than B. robustus. [8] Body size of adult B. nivalis increases with elevation, the largest individuals are found above 1200m asl and the smallest on stream edges at low elevation. [4]
Brachaspis nivalis shows multiple and opportunistic feeding behavior. [9] It is a herbivore and prefers to eat the floral parts of plants. [9] It was observed to feed on plants such as Hebe spp., Epilobium spp., Celmisia spp., Poa spp., Wahlenbergia albomarginata, Anisotome aromatica, Chionochloa pallens, Coprosma pumila, Pittosporum crassicaule, ferns such as Austroblechnum penna-marina, mosses such as Polytrichum juniperinum and unidentified lichens. [9] In addition, ingestion of arthropods was found in adult B. nivalis, but it may be upon opportune contact. [9]
Males undergo six instars and females undergo seven instars to become adults. [10] First and second instars are suggested to be abundant during January and February. [10] The mating activity of B. nivalis extends throughout the life span of adults. [10] The maximum longevity of male adults are 21.8 months, and the for females are 26.1 months. [10]
Brachaspis nivalis shows multiple mating with a different non-bonded mate on each occasion. [10] When a male tries to mate, it often aggressively mounts a resisting female. [10] The male firmly grabs the female to prevent detachment by sudden disturbance. [10] Mating pairs have been observed from spring to autumn (September - April). [10] Gravid females were also observed from September to May except April, and number were highest in January and February. [10] Females show multiple oviposition. [11] Each egg pod may contain 20-30 eggs and first instars are observed in late December or early January. [10]
Brachaspis nivalis was assessed to be not threatened (NT) level of NZTCS in 2022. [12] This status has not changed from prior assessments in 2014 [13] and 2010. [14] However, if further population genetic research suggests that the small, low-elevation forms are distinct from their montane relatives, the conservation status of the low-elevation forms has to be considered threatened by flooding events, land development, weed invasion and introduced predators. [8] The population abundance of B. nivalis correlates with soil temperature. [11] Therefore, the increase in mean temperature due to global warming may cause B. nivalis to lose suitable habitat in the future. [6]
Hemiandrus is a genus of wētā in the family Anostostomatidae. In New Zealand they are known as ground wētā due to their burrowing lifestyle. Hemiandrus wētā are nocturnal, and reside in these burrows during the day. Ground wētā seal the entrance of their burrow during the day with a soil plug or door so that their burrow is concealed. This genus was originally said to be distributed in Australia and New Zealand, however, with recent molecular genetic methods, this is under debate. Ground wētā adults are smaller than other types of wētā, with the unusual trait of having both long and short ovipositors, depending on the species. The name of this genus is said to come from this trait as hemi- mean half and -andrus means male, as the species where the female has a short ovipositor can sometimes be mistaken for a male. This genus has a diverse diet, depending on the species.
Isoplectron is a genus of cave wētā in the family Rhaphidophoridae with three species currently recognized. The genus is endemic to New Zealand and distributed throughout the country.
Chorthippus brunneus, also known as the common field grasshopper, is a species of grasshopper of the subfamily Gomphocerinae. It was first described by Thunberg in 1815. It is also known as Gryllus brunneus, although this name has not been adopted by the IUCN. The IUCN lists C. brunneus as Least Concern.
Sigaus homerensis is a grasshopper endemic to the southern South Island of New Zealand. It is known only from three isolated populations in Fiordland.
Sigaus childi is an endangered protected species of grasshopper known only from the Alexandra district of the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of just two species of grasshopper listed for protection under the New Zealand Wildlife Act 1953. It is currently classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation. The genus Sigaus is endemic to New Zealand.
Brachaspis robustus is a nationally endangered species of grasshopper endemic to the Mackenzie Basin of the South Island of New Zealand. The genus Brachaspis is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. Although a grasshopper, it is a poor jumper, relying on camouflage to hide from predators. It is threatened by introduced mammals such as stoats, hedgehogs, and rats.
Sigaus villosus is New Zealand's largest grasshopper. It is only found in the central mountains of the South Island. The genus Sigaus is endemic to the New Zealand. Like all of New Zealand sub-alpine and alpine grasshoppers S. villosus has a 2 or 3 years life cycle. The eggs must ‘overwinter’ before they will hatch. Hoppers are found throughout the year and adult grasshoppers can be found throughout the New Zealand summer between December and April. Adult S. villosus do not overwinter.
Alpinacris tumidicauda is a species of grasshopper only known from Otago and Southland, New Zealand. The genus Alpinacris is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. A. tumidicauda was described in 1967 by Robert Sidney Bigelow, with a type locality of Obelisk in the Old Man Range (45°19′22″S169°12′27″E). A male holotype and paratype are deposited in the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch. Like all of New Zealand sub-alpine and alpine grasshoppers, A. tumidicauda has a 2- or 3-year life cycle. The eggs must "overwinter" before they will hatch. Hoppers are found throughout the year, and adult grasshoppers can be found throughout the New Zealand summer between December and April. The adult A. tumidicauda do not overwinter.
Deinacrida connectens, often referred to as the alpine scree wētā, is one of New Zealand's largest alpine invertebrates and is a member of the Anostostomatidae family. Deinacrida connectens is a flightless nocturnal insect that lives under rocks at high elevation. Mountain populations vary in colour. This species is the most widespread of the eleven species of giant wētā (Deinacrida).
Sigaus of grasshoppers in the tribe Catantopini that isendemic to New Zealand, and all but one species is endemic to the South Island: Sigaus piliferus is the only North Island representative and is the type species. There are eight species in the genus; all are flightless, and many are coloured for camouflage against rocky ground. Sigaus minutus and S. childi are threatened with extinction.
Sigaus australis is the most common alpine grasshopper found in New Zealand. It can be found in the southern half of the South Island above the tree line. Sigaus australis was described in 1897 by Frederick Hutton. Like all of New Zealand sub-alpine and alpine grasshoppers S. australis has a 2 or 3 years life cycle. Individuals can survive the cold by freezing solid at any life stage, at any time of the year. Sigaus australis adults are relatively large grasshoppers. The genus Sigaus is endemic to New Zealand.
Phaulacridium marginale is a small species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is endemic to New Zealand where it is found in low elevation open habitat throughout North Island, South Island, Stewart Island and on many smaller islands.
Phaulacridium otagoense is an endemic New Zealand grasshopper found at low elevation throughout the central South Island.
Hemideina thoracica, commonly known as the Auckland tree wētā or tokoriro is a cricket-like insect. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found over most of the North Island, except for the Wellington region and regions 900 metres above sea level. This species is an arboreal, herbivorous generalist however, it is also thought to be polyphagous and is found in all wooded habitats, including forest, scrub and suburban gardens.
Hemideina crassidens, commonly known as the Wellington tree wētā, is a large, flightless, nocturnal insect in the family Anostostomatidae. This wētā species is endemic to New Zealand and populates regions in the southern half of North Island/Te Ika a Maui and the north-west of the South Island/Te Wai Pounamu. They forage arboreally during the night and are most likely polyphagous. There is obvious sexual dimorphism in adults. Individuals are reliant on tree cavities for refuge, social interactions and mating.
Sigaus minutus is a species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is one of the smallest and rarest species of grasshopper in New Zealand, found only in the Mackenzie district of South Island. There are nine species within the genus Sigaus described by Bigelow (1967), all endemic to New Zealand. The population status of Sigaus minutus is declining according to threat assessments made by orthopteran experts in 2010.
Wētā is the common name for a group of about 100 insect species in the families Anostostomatidae and Rhaphidophoridae endemic to New Zealand. They are giant flightless crickets, and some are among the heaviest insects in the world. Generally nocturnal, most small species are carnivores and scavengers while the larger species are herbivorous. Wētā are preyed on by introduced mammals, and some species are now critically endangered.
Brachaspis is a genus of grasshoppers belonging to the family Acrididae.
Hemiandrus focalis is a species of ground wētā endemic to New Zealand. This flightless Orthoptera lives in the mountains of the South Island, New Zealand. This species can be distinguished from other ground wētā by their three superior retrolateral spines on their mid tibia and females have relatively long ovipositors. This omnivorous ground wētā species is listed as "not threatened" by the New Zealand Department of Conservation.
The Green Rock-hopper grasshopper, Brachaspis collinus is an alpine species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in New Zealand in the mountains of northern South Island, above the tree line and as high as 2000 m asl. In New Zealand alpine grasshoppers can freeze solid at any time of the year and are alive when they thaw out when temperatures rise.
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