Neonetus

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Neonetus
Neonetus variegatus.jpg
Neonetus variegatus
Scientific classification e
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]

Neonetus are small cave wētā that inhabit forest, especially among the damp litter and decaying logs, sometime in damp tree holes. The genus has been overlooked due to its small size and cryptic nature, and additional species are likely to exist.[3] Colour patterns appear to be variable even within populations and between males and females and between adults and juveniles, adding to taxonomic confusion.[1] Some forms carry a prominent pale longitudinal stripe and have been referred to as the "painted" weta. However, similar colour pattern variation exists in Isoplectron.[4]

Taxonomy

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

Morphology

Neonetus variegatus [4]

Body length: 11-16mm.[5]  Pronotum: 3mm. Ovipositor: 6.5mm.

Antennae: “about three times the length of the body” = 36mm. Legs:   posterior femora 9.5mm., posterior tibia 11.5mm

Male subgenital plate highly modified with large central curving ridge,[5] female subgenital plate small notched or lobed triangle[6]

Neonetus pilosus[7]

Body length:  11mm. Antennae: “very hairy”. Pronotum 4mm. Thorax 7mm.

Abdomen 5mm. Width at mesonotum 4 mm.

Legs: Very hairy. Fore tibia 6mm. Hind tibia 11 mm. Hind femur 10 mm.

Biology

Neonetus are active at night when they are vulnerable to becoming food for rats[8] and kiwi.[9]

Distribution

Disturbed environments appear not to impede the distribution of Neonetus variegatus, and pine forest appears to provide a valuable habitat for at least some endemic invertebrates.[1]

Current observational data suggests that Neonetus is restricted to the North Island of New Zealand.[10]

Neonetus variegatus is abundant across all three habitats (pine forest, native forest and shrubland) throughout the year, but appears to be more abundant in pine forest than native forest and shrubland.[1]

Species

References

  1. ^ a b c d 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. ^ Farnworth, Bridgette; Innes, John; Kelly, Catherine; Littler, Ray; Waas, Joseph R. (2018). "Photons and foraging: Artificial light at night generates avoidance behaviour in male, but not female, New Zealand weta". Environmental Pollution. 236: 82–90. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.039. ISSN 0269-7491.
  4. ^ a b "Neonetus". wetageta.massey.ac.nz. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  5. ^ a b Johns, P. M.; Cook, L. D. (2013). "Maotoweta virescens new genus and new species; hidden in a moss forest (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae)". Records of the Canterbury Museum. 27: 11–17.
  6. ^ F., Ward, Darren (1997). "A new generic key to the New Zealand cave weta genera (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae". doi:10.26021/485. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  7. ^ Morgan-Richards, Mary (January 1995). "A new species of tree weta from the North Island of New Zealand (HemideinaStenopelmatidae: Orthoptera)". New Zealand Entomologist. 18 (1): 15–23. doi:10.1080/00779962.1995.9721996. ISSN 0077-9962.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ "iNaturalist". iNaturalist. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
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