Studies on the Littoral and Terrestrial Amphipoda of the family Talitridae from New Zealand and the Sub-Antarctic Islands

Abstract

The thesis describes the distribution of the Family Talitridae, their adaptations to terrestrial environments, evolution and ancestry, and reviews the systematics of the New Zealand species. Eight new species are described, viz.: Orchestia lesliensis, O. rubroannulata, O. sinbadensis, O. simularis, O. sinuata, Talorchestia kapitiensis, Allorchestes reidii, Hyale austeni. Talitroides dorrieni is recorded from N.Z. for the first time. Nine species are re-described, viz.: O. serrulata, O. chiliensis, O. bollonsi, Talorchestia quoyana, T. patersoni, Parorchestia sylvicola, P. insularis var. stephenseni, P. parva, P. improvisa. Keys to genera and species discussed are included. The occurrence of a parasitic mite, probably Uropoda vegetans, is noted. The macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of Orchestia sinuata, n.sp. is described in some detail.