Distribution and abundance of endemic coelostomidiid scale insects (Hemiptera: Coelostomidiidae) in Auckland forests, New Zealand

Sap-feeding insects can excrete considerable quantities of sugar-rich honeydew. In New Zealand, South Island beech (Nothofagus spp.) forests are shaped by the extensive honeydew resource produced by two endemic coelostomidiid species (Ultracoelostoma assimile and U. brittini) and geckos on northern...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:New Zealand journal of ecology 2009-01, Vol.33 (2), p.138-146
Main Authors: Gardner-Gee, Robin, Beggs, Jacqueline R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ants
Coastal forests
Ecology
Endangered & extinct species
Forest ecology
Forest insects
Forests
Fruits
Hemiptera
Herbivores
Honeydew
Hymenoptera
Infestation
Insects
Mold
Nothofagus
Scale insects
Tree trunks
Trees
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Sap-feeding insects can excrete considerable quantities of sugar-rich honeydew. In New Zealand, South Island beech (Nothofagus spp.) forests are shaped by the extensive honeydew resource produced by two endemic coelostomidiid species (Ultracoelostoma assimile and U. brittini) and geckos on northern islands are known to feed on the honeydew of a third endemic coelostomidiid, Coelostomidia zealandica. There are six other endemic coelostomidiid species in New Zealand that utilise a range of plant hosts but the ecological role of these species is poorly understood. A survey of mainland forests in the Auckland Ecological Region was conducted in February–April 2006 to investigate the distribution and abundance of coelostomidiids in this area. Three coelostomidiid species were detected in the survey (C. zealandica, C. pilosa and C. wairoensis) and five new host–scale insect associations were identified. C. zealandica was uncommon, C. pilosa was widespread in broadleaved–podocarp forest but only formed light infestations, and C. wairoensis was present in all teatree stands examined, often forming heavy infestations on kānuka (Kunzea ericoides). Infested kānuka trees had sooty moulds growing on them and exotic wasps were regularly seen feeding on C. wairoensis honeydew. The extent and intensity of C. wairoensis infestation on kānuka suggests it will have community-level impacts.
ISSN:0110-6465
1177-7788
1177-7788