Identification of New Zealand’s terrestrial amphipods (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Talitridae): Tuhinga 19

Tuhinga 19: 29-56

ABSTRACT: A checklist and an illustrated key to the identification of the 28 described species and species groups of terrestrial amphipods (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Talitridae) of New Zealand are provided. Twenty-five species are endemic, belonging to six endemic genera (Kanikania, Makawe, Parorchestia, Puhuruhuru,Tara and Waematau). A brief history
of New Zealand terrestrial amphipod taxonomy and an overview of the group’s diversity are presented. Identification methods and terminology are defined, with terrestrial amphipod morphology described and illustrated. The key is intended as a stand-alone identification guide, and is designed to enable identification of individuals of either sex in the absence of specimens of the opposite sex.  

KEYWORDS: Amphipoda, terrestrial amphipods,Talitridae, talitrids, landhoppers, talitrid identification, checklist, key, New Zealand.