Phylogeography reveals a North Island range extension for New Zealand's only sexually wing-dimorphic stonefly (Stenoperla helsoni). Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCulloch, Graham A.; Foster, Brodie J.; Waters, Jonathan M.
• Is Part Of: New Zealand journal of zoology. Volume 46:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 253
• Page End: 260
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Alpine -- eustheniidae -- geographic distribution -- microptery -- wing reduction; Animals -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; Zoology -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; Zoology -- Periodicals; Zoologie -- Nouvelle-Zélande -- Périodiques; Zoologie -- Pacifique, Région du -- Périodiques; Zoologie -- Antarctique -- Périodiques; Insectes -- Classification -- Périodiques; Espèces introduites -- Périodiques; 590.99305
• DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2018.1527775
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1175-8821

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Stenoperla helsoni is an endemic New Zealand stonefly characterised by distinctive sexually dimorphic wing loss. Previous distribution records indicated that this species was restricted to the South Island's Southern Alps, although our recent collections of wing-reduced specimens from a site in the Tararua Ranges suggest that this species may extend into the lower North Island. We amplified the mitochondrial COI gene to confirm the identity of North Island specimens, and to assess phylogeographic structuring within the species and genus. North Island specimens were confirmed as S. helsoni, indicating that this species has a much wider geographic range than previously thought. This broad distribution, combined with low levels of intraspecific divergence, suggests that female S. helsoni may be strong fliers, despite males being flightless. Distinct North Island and South Island populations were identified, with a 1.5% divergence between the two populations.