Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand

Coastal Dune Ecosystem Reference Database

Alien dune plants reshape our beaches Popular Article

Author
Bell, A.
Year
1988
Journal / Source
Ecos
Volume
54
Pages
3-6
Summary
Nearly 20 000 specimens of pseudoscorpions from a full range of habitats have been examined. For New Zealand, 70 species and subspecies in 28 genera are recognised, and for Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands, 11 species in 9 genera. Endemism is very high in this area: in New Zealand, 13 out of 25 indigenous genera are endemic; 2 others (Apatochernes, Nesochernes) are shared with Norfolk Island; and 4 (Sathrochthonius, Austrochthonius, Synsphyronus, Protochelifer) extend their distribution to Australia (Austrochthonius is known also from South America and South Africa). The rest of the native genera have a wider distribution in the Pacific. Three species (Lamprochernes Savignyi, Withius subruber, Chelifer cancroides) have a wide and disjunct distribution induced by human traffic, and are considered to be an introduced element.