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The distribution and habitat requirements of the large speargrass weevil (Lyperobius huttoni) and characteristics of host speargrass plants (Aciphylla squarrosa) and their vegetation associations

dc.contributor.authorHunt, Maree Rachel
dc.date.accessioned2011-04-14T23:24:17Z
dc.date.accessioned2022-10-26T01:43:03Z
dc.date.available2011-04-14T23:24:17Z
dc.date.available2022-10-26T01:43:03Z
dc.date.copyright1996
dc.date.issued1996
dc.description.abstractThe abundance and distribution of the endangered Speargrass Weevil (Lyperobius huttoni) on the South Coast of Wellington is determined and the key features of the habitats in which the weevil occurs are established, particularly the specific characteristics of host Aciphylla squarrosa plants and their vegetation associations. Comparison is made between the characteristics of Lyperobius host plants at the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges, South Island and the Wellington South Coast. Comparison of Aciphylla plants with and without weevils shows that weevils are more likely to be found on large Aciphylla plants, and on plants which are in flower or which have more than one crown. On the Wellington South Coast, weevils are more commonly found on Aciphylla plants in unstable environments, and where the host plant is not overgrown by other plant species. The current North Island distribution of Lyperobius huttoni is established through identification and mapping of weevil feeding sign. Population estimates derived from sign distribution and from a weevil tag-recapture survey both give a minimum population of approximately 135 individuals on the Wellington South Coast, though in over 12 months the total number of weevil sightings was only 39. Lyperobius huttoni is now limited to a single south coast site and the disjunct distribution at that site means it must be considered highly endangered. previous studies of Lyperobius huttoni are reviewed, and previous conservation efforts and the change over time in weevil status and vegetation characteristics at known weevil sites summarised. Observations of weevil activity, behaviour and sexual dimorphism are recorded and, together with the host plant and habitat preferences, are used in forming a management proposal for the conservation of L. huttoni on the Wellington South Coast, or for its translocation to a more secure island location.en_NZ
dc.formatpdfen_NZ
dc.identifier.urihttps://ir.wgtn.ac.nz/handle/123456789/23947
dc.languageen_NZ
dc.language.isoen_NZ
dc.publisherTe Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellingtonen_NZ
dc.subjectLyperobius huttoni
dc.subjectBeetles
dc.subjectEcology
dc.titleThe distribution and habitat requirements of the large speargrass weevil (Lyperobius huttoni) and characteristics of host speargrass plants (Aciphylla squarrosa) and their vegetation associationsen_NZ
dc.typeTexten_NZ
thesis.degree.disciplineEcologyen_NZ
thesis.degree.grantorTe Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellingtonen_NZ
thesis.degree.levelMastersen_NZ
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen_NZ
vuwschema.type.vuwAwarded Research Masters Thesisen_NZ

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