Leisnham: Relationship between male head size & mating opp in Hemideina maori

Leisnham, P. T., & Jamieson, I. G. (2004). Relationship between male head size and mating opportunity in the harem-defence, polygynous tree weta Hemideina maori (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae). New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 28(1), 49-54. (3 copies)

Objectives of study were to determine whether males with larger heads have access to great #s of females, and whether male head size has an effect on male survival and longevity. Results suggested that small males intermittently retreat to small cracks or cavities within tor columns, where there are unlikely to be large female groups. So, larger males had access to more females than smaller males. Larger males also had no detectable disadvantage in terms of daily survival and longevity. Evidence that larger male tree weta do associate with larger harems in the wild.

Lovei (1997) Harmonic radar

Lovei, G.L., Stringer, I.A.N., Devine, C.D. and Cartellier, M 1997 Harmonic Radar, a method using inexpensive tags to study invertebrate movement on land. New Zealand Journal of Ecology (1997) 21(2): 187-193 (1 copy)

Effects of aerial size and shape, detection range of several types of diodes, potential and limitations of using harmonic radar are discussed. Examples of tracking short term movement of a beetle and long term movement of a snail. Monitoring method, tracking, behavior

Morgan-Richards: Taxonomic status of tree weta from Stephens Is.

Morgan-Richards, M., Daugherty, C.H. and Gibbs, G.W. 1995 Taxonomic status of tree weta from Stephens Island, Mt. Holdsworth and Mt. Arthur, based on allozyme variation. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand Vol 25(2) June 1995: 301-312. (3 copies)

Sort of a tedious account of genetic relationships. Researchers undertook an analysis of allozyme variation of tree weta from 13 sites including Stephens Island to find out whether the tree weta on that island should be viewed as a separate species. They came to the conclusion that the population is sufficiently different to warrant taxonomic recognition.

Morgan-Richards (1995): New species of tree weta from North Island

Morgan-Richards, M 1995 A new species of tree weta from the North Island of new Zealand (Hemideina: Stenopelmatidae: Orthoptera). New Zealand Entomologist, 1995, Vol 18: 15-23 (3 copies)

New discovery from Hawkes Bay. Differs from Wellington tree weta only in the colouration of the pronotum (upper surface of the protorax; the foremost section of thorax) – it is light yellow/orange. It also differs in two different allozyme loci and karyotype. I don’t really think this is of much use to Team Weta.

Beakly: Design & use of artificial refuges for monitoring adult tree weta

Beakly, C., Stringer, I., Robertson, A., & Hedderly, D. (2006). Design and use of artificial refuges for monitoring adult tree weta, Hemideina crassidens and H. thoracica. DoC Research and Development Series 233, Department of Conservation, Science and Technical publishing, Wellington. (1 copy)

Artificial refuges were constructed in order to find out tree weta dwelling preferences. Tree weta were found to prefer refuges made of fresh pine, galleries with tapering terminations, holes 16-25mm diameter, et cetera...# of weta positively correlated wth # of weta in natural cavities; no diff in results between refuge locations. This article can give us some pretty decent insight into understanding ideal weta holes.

Trewick: Weta roost proj Mohi Bush Scenic Reserve

Trewick, S.A. 1995 Interim Report on weta roost project at Mohi Bush Scenic Reserve, Hawkes Bay Regional Conservancy. Unpublished report. School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University, Wellington. (1 copy)

Six artificial weta roosts were constructed and occupancy recorded. The researchers speculate on what habitat characteristics are ideal or nonideal for inhabitation. Both tree weta and cave weta appear to have a tendency to use holes that have been previously occupied by a weta. Recommendation to continue the study using larger holes to allow harems.

Lynch...To the Future: Kaorori

Lynch, J.(1995) to the Future: Kaorori- from reservoir to wildlife sanctuary. Forest and Bird

This article outlines how a wildlife sanctuary on the edge of Wellington City was formed starting with an idea and eventually receiving approval.  This deals with the concept of mainland islands which are a secure place for populatins of nature plants and animals, and an easily accessible place for us to experience them.

·         Diplomatic steps that it takes to create a mainland island outlined, especially one that is in the middle of a town like this one.

·         Goes over the strategies of pest eradication, translocation and maintenance of the site as a whole

·         New Zealanders are profoundly unaware of their indigenous flora and fauna but they will not go to the offshore island sanctuaries to find out about it.  This is an educational opportunity in close proximity of the city.

·         Goes over the structure of predator proof fences and the pitfalls of maintenance as well as possible weaknesses.

Tags: mainland island restoration