Status of the New Zealand cave weta (Rhaphidophoridae) genera Pachyrhamma, Gymnoplectron and Turbottoplectron
Lorraine D. Cook A B , Steven A. Trewick A D , Mary Morgan-Richards A and Peter M. Johns CA Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
B Department of Conservation, Manawatu Regional Office, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
C Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand.
D Corresponding author. Email: s.trewick@massey.ac.nz
Invertebrate Systematics 24(2) 131-138 https://doi.org/10.1071/IS09047
Submitted: 4 December 2009 Accepted: 30 March 2010 Published: 29 June 2010
Abstract
The New Zealand Rhaphidophoridae Walker, 1869 comprise 18 endemic genera (including 8 that are monotypic). Although there are many new species to be described, rationalisation at the genus level is also required due to inconsistencies in their current systematics. Even the largest and best known taxa, including those that occupy cave systems and are the most frequently encountered by people, require taxonomic revision. These cave weta include species assigned to three poorly differentiated genera, Pachyrhamma Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1888, Gymnoplectron Hutton, 1897 and Turbottoplectron Salmon, 1948, that are best known from North Island New Zealand. We used mitochondrial DNA sequence data to examine their relationships using representatives of each genus. The results indicate that a single genus Pachyrhamma would be appropriate for all, as Gymnoplectron and Turbottoplectron nest phylogenetically within it. There are insufficient morphological, spatial or ecological reasons to justify retention of all three. However, we also note that species level diversity does not correlate with genetic or spatial diversity; some species are genetically well partitioned and widespread while others have narrow ranges in single cave systems and are closely related to one another.
Additional keywords: phylogeography, species radiation.
Acknowledgements
Our thanks to the many contributors of specimens to our research program on New Zealand Rhaphidophoridae, including Steve Nichols, Julia Goldberg, Frank Wieland, Mike Lusk and Steve Glasgow. We are especially indebted to staff of the New Zealand Department of Conservation who have assisted with permits and by directly collecting material for this work, including Ian Miller, Dave Smith, Debra Craven, Ian Stringer, Dave King and Penny McIntosh. PMJ acknowledges the support of the University of Canterbury for sabbatical leave during which the types in Museums of London, Vienna and Philadelphia were examined, and the considerable help given by the curators.
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1 ‘Weta’ is a Maori name applied to New Zealand crickets belonging to the Anostostomatidae (more commonly known as the giant, tree, ground and tusked weta) and Rhaphidophoridae (usually cave weta), and has the same form for both the singular and plural uses.
