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Invertebrates
This is a very diverse group of animals which, because there are only a small number of species in each group, they are lumped together in this section. The checklist is divided up as such so please click on each tab on the spreadsheet to see species. Groups which have an abundance of species, such as beetles and spiders are given their own page.
A checklist of species recorded from the area is included here. Because groups and families in this section contain only a few examples of each, they don't warrant their own separate page, so they are each given a tab within the spreadsheet. Please click on each to access the data. Information is basic and continually updated with links given by the usual method to a wealth of additional information. Headings and columns A and B are locked, so are always available. Web address links are edited to fit in the static species columns. List can be downloaded, and additions added for personal use can be "save as". These will not be saved to the web.
Mata/Seashore Earwig  Anasolabris littorea
Native. Not assessed.

This is a medium-sized earwig at around 35 mm when adult. Females will lay a batch of eggs, which she will protect and clean regularly. Hatchlings are replicas of the adults in miniature and go through a number of moults, usually 4-6 before becoming adults.


On maturity the terminal forceps of the abdomen determine an individual's sex - they are curved in males while those of females are straight.

Found around plants and debris the flattened body allows them to squeeze into tight places. General colouration is brown, with recently moulted young being whitish for a short time. Legs are yellowish-buff.  

This is a carnivorous species feeding.

Wikipedia-Seashore Earwig
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KÄ“kerengÅ«/Large Black Cockroach Maoriblatta novaeseelandiae
Endemic. Not threatened.

It differing from many other native species of Cockroaches found in Aotearoa New Zealand in it being black in colouration and at 25-29 mm is the largest found here.

In our area this species is to be found in the dunes but has been recorded up to 600 m above sea level in other areas. It appears to have a mainly North Island distribution but has been recorded in several locations on the South Island.

Its preferred habitat is hiding behind bark or beneath stone, logs and debris and, being nocturnal, is rarely seen during the day. If it senses that this disturbance is a threat, they will exude a musky smelling yellow liquid which is offensive to predators.

Diet consists of mainly of decaying plant matter.

iNaturalist-Large Black Kekerengu
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Monarch Butterfly  Danaus plexippus
Native. Not assessed.

The Monarch Butterfly is a familiar species to many as it is an easy species to identify, being the largest species of butterfly in Aotearoa New Zealand and, bright orange in colour.

Their familiarity hides the fact that this is one of the truly amazing species capable of staggering migrations. The one in the Americas is well known but from this population some individuals made their way across the Pacific to settle here.

Once a common species, its numbers are much reduced here but in America it is now classed as vulnerable having been reduced in numbers.

They are the recipient of much interest during the summer months when people plant Swan plants, their favoured caterpillar food plant.

sciencelearn-monarch butterflies
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