New Zealand Derelomini

fig. 1: Derelomus sp., from New Zealand, length about 3 mm (excluding rostrum)

Taxonavigation

Ordo: Coleoptera Wikispecies link
Familia: Curculionidae Wikispecies link
Tribus: Derelomini Wikispecies link

(1 genus, 1 species)

the presence of Derelomini in New Zealand has not yet been noted in the published literature, but one adventive species (of South African origin) is well established in the northern North Island (see fig. 1)
I discovered the species in New Zealand while sorting weevils in NZAC in the early 2000s (there was one series of about 3 specimens in unsorted material)
the NZAC specimens were subsequently determined as Derelomus sp. by G. Kuschel
I subsequently collected the species on several occasions in the Auckland City area, mostly in autumn
G. Kuschel subsequently confirmed that the species is associated with palms in New Zealand, and apparently now has a species name for it, but is witholding the name pending a planned publication to update the N.Z. adventive weevil fauna

Stephen Thorpe 07:38, 3 February 2011 (CET)